Hollyoaks fans were left floored at a cameo in the soap’s Brookside crossover episode
Hollyoaks delivered a spectacular crossover episode with Brookside, leaving viewers spotting a truly remarkable cameo appearance.
E4 broadcast a special one-off Brookside episode on October 22, marking the legendary soap’s return to television after a 22-year absence to commemorate Hollyoaks‘ milestone 30th anniversary.
Soap enthusiasts were delighted with a nostalgic journey as iconic characters made their comeback to Brookside Close, featuring Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston, Paul Usher, Philip Olivier, Suzanne Collins, Michael Starke, Louis Emerick and John McArdle.
Both cherished Channel 4 series were the brainchild of Grange Hill genius Sir Philip Redmond, with Brookside later serving as inspiration for the Chester-based Hollyoaks.
In a masterstroke, Sir Philip himself appeared in the Channel 4 drama on Wednesday, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The scene unfolded when Mick Johnson (Louis Emerick) made his return to Brookside Close following a lift from Chester courtesy of Thomas Sweeney, better known as Sinbad, portrayed by Michael Starke.
Whilst taxi driver Sinbad reconnected with former neighbours Nikki Shadwick (Suzanne Collins) and Tinhead (Philip Olivier), an enigmatic figure strolled down the street.
Nikki questioned Sinbad: “Is that your fare?”, to which he swiftly replied: “I think so, yeah.”
Sir Philip then enquired: “You going to Chester, mate?”, prompting Sinbad to ask: “You’re not from around here, are you?”.
In a touching tribute to bygone days, Sir Philip responded: “Used to be, but you know. Do you know the Dog In The Pond pub?”. “There’s been a big to-do there today”, Sinbad chimed in as Sir Philip, cheekily replied: “Story of my life, mate. From one drama to another.”
Fans of Hollyoaks and Brookside were quick to express their delight at seeing the soap’s creator, Sir Philip, make an appearance on screen.
One fan took to X to share their thoughts, writing: “Had to watch the #Hollyoaks #Brookside mashup. Phil Redmond’s cameo is genius especially the “… one drama to another” line. I join the call to bring back #Brookie!”.
Another viewer exclaimed: “Phil Redmond cameo! #Brookside #Hollyoaks #Hollyoaks30.”
A third added: “Omg Phil Redmond making a cameo too, omg, i cannot cope! So proud to be scouse right now #hollyoaks #brookside.
“This is just too good. Mick, Sinbad, Sheila, Tinhead, Nikki, Bobby, actual Phil Redmond! #Hollyoaks #Brookside”, one fan gushed.
“Phil Redmond saying “from one drama to another”.. see what he did there! Brilliant! ! #Hollyoaks #Brookside”, another fan pointed out.
The Hollyoaks and Brookside Crossover is available to stream on Channel 4.com