Actress Sue Johnston to return to Brookside

Sue Johnston, an actress, is expected to reprise her role in Brookside for the long-awaited return to the television soap. Camera crews are expected to return to the legendary cul-de-sac as part of a one-off special episode to commemorate Hollyoaks' 30th anniversary. Johnston, who was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2009, will re-create the role of Liverpudlian matriarch Sheila Grant, later Corkhill.

It'll be so lovely to go back and be Sheila for a day as it was such a large, enjoyable part of my life,

Johnston, who is also well-known for playing Barbara Royle in the award-winning BBC comedy The Royle Family.

This was Johnston's first big role on the show, which first aired on Channel 4 in 1982, after a brief stint on Coronation Street. The acclaimed actress is the first cast member to be confirmed as returning for the episode, which will be shot on Brookside Close. The show, which was conceived by Grange Hill and Hollyoaks creator Sir Philip Redmond, attracted nine million viewers at its peak before ending on November 4, 2003. The show, which was based in Liverpool, was known for its hard-hitting storylines and tackled topics such as rape, bullying, and incest.

Sheila, a actress played by Ricky Tomlinson, stole viewers' hearts and husband Bobby as she wrestled with family finances and her husband Bobby. A taxi driver assaulted Sheila in 1986, discovering herself pregnant and her marriage falling apart due to the strain. Sheila's youngest son Damon was stabbed to death in London one year ago. Billy Corkhill, played by John McCardle, was a hit by the pair in 1990, and they left Brookside for Basingstoke.

Other well-known Brookside characters will be back in the crossover episode, which has yet to be revealed. It will be the first time Brookside Closed has been on television since it ended in with Jimmy Corkhill, played by the late Dean Sullivan, daubing a d onto the sign, naming it as Brookside Closet before heading out of the cul-de-sac. In September, filming is scheduled for the West Derby area of Liverpool.

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