Brookside icon Tinhead is returning to the famous close for a one-off episode twinned with Hollyoaks, and actor Philip Olivier has opened up about the character’s nickname.
Brookside legend Tinhead is making a comeback to the renowned close for a special one-off episode alongside Hollyoaks.
Both beloved Channel 4 dramas were created by Grange Hill mastermind Sir Philip Redmond, with Brookside subsequently inspiring the development of Chester-set Hollyoaks.
To celebrate Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary, the shows are joining forces for a landmark crossover episode, with Philip Olivier returning to his memorable role as Tinhead.
Tim “Tinhead” O’Leary made his debut in 1996 as the offspring of Carmel and Tommy O’Leary, portraying a wayward pupil at Brookside Comprehensive High School.
Throughout his storyline, Tinhead formed an intricate relationship with beloved character Sinbad, portrayed by Michael Starke, who served as a mentor figure for the rebellious youngster, reports the Manchester Evening News.
However, Tinhead was compelled to transform his ways following a devastating incident that nearly claimed his sister Melanie’s life.
His future seemed promising when romance blossomed with Emily, portrayed by Jennifer Ellison, and the couple wed in 2001.
Yet marital happiness wasn’t destined for the pair.
Following further involvement in unlawful activities, Emily perished during a burglary in 2002, leaving Tinhead bereaved at a young age.
Philip Olivier, 45, last appeared as Tinhead in November 2003 when Brookside broadcast its concluding episode.
However, over two decades later, he’s reprising his role as Timothy O’Leary, alongside Suzanne Collins as Nikki Shadwick, for a special Hollyoaks and Brookside episode.
How did Tinhead earn his nickname?
Despite the character’s actual name being Timothy, soap fans will recognise him by his unusual moniker.
Ahead of the rebooted episode, Olivier shed light on how his character acquired the nickname, revealing it was purely coincidental.
The actor shared: “There was a pretty rough school in my area with a really hard kid who everyone knew as Tinhead. This was before I got the part. The name was spray-painted on the side of a building near the school.
“I know a lot of Brookside writers used to live round that area so they must’ve drove past and remembered the name. People thought I’d suggested it but it was a coincidence.”
Olivier also disclosed that he had initially auditioned for a different role in the show before landing the part of the teenage troublemaker.
He elaborated: “Originally, I went up to play the character of Danny Simpson, then ended up playing the kid that bullied him at school.
“I auditioned for Danny then got a call a month later about this character called ‘Tinhead’.”
The Brookside and Hollyoaks crossover episode airs on Wednesday (October 22) at 7pm on E4.