In a dramatic twist for soap fans, legendary characters from the axed Channel 4 series Brookside are set to make a stunning return to screens within the village of Hollyoaks. This follows the historic crossover event that took place in October 2025, marking Hollyoaks' 30th anniversary, which first re-established the connection between the two iconic serials.
Unexpected Appearances Rock the Village
The action kicks off next week when Liberty Savage (Jessamy Stoddart) excitedly recounts a successful date to John Paul McQueen. Her joy is soon interrupted by a major surprise for Sienna Blake. Brookside legend Tinhead, played by Phillip Oliver, makes a shocking appearance, emerging from Liberty's bedroom.
The plot thickens when Sienna, reeling from being kicked out by Cleo McQueen after a traumatic incident involving baby Joseph, heads to the allotment. She intends to destroy the shed belonging to serial killer Jez Blake, but hears movement. To her astonishment, she spots Tinhead driving off in a van, leaving her to wonder what his connection to Jez could possibly be.
More Familiar Faces and Village Drama
Tinhead is not the only Brookside favourite popping up. Donny Clark (Louis Emerick), whose true identity was revealed as Brookside's Mick Johnston during the anniversary, is desperate to flee the village. He is seen jumping into the back of a taxi driven by another Brookie icon, Sinbad (Michael Starke).
Meanwhile, Nikki Shadwick (Suzanne Collins) is also returning to screens. She strikes up a friendship with Mercedes McQueen after they meet at a rehabilitation facility, suggesting her storyline will be woven into the fabric of Hollyoaks life.
Other Explosive Storylines Unfold
Beyond the crossover excitement, other characters face their own crises. Cleo McQueen's struggle with postpartum psychosis leads to a devastating fallout with Sienna after baby Joseph falls. Sienna, seeking answers, turns to Misbah Maalik, who suggests she may be suffering from PTSD after her ordeal with Jez.
This theory ultimately leads Sienna to the fateful allotment encounter. Elsewhere, Misbah and Vicky's search for Donny takes a darker turn as police visit them, hinting at wider police corruption. At school, Dee Dee, Ant, and Trina all land in detention, while Cleo's move into the Blake household causes tension for Theresa.
These episodes promise to further blur the lines between the two soap universes, proving that the connection forged in October was just the beginning. Hollyoaks streams from Monday to Wednesday from 6am on Channel 4's streaming platform, with TV episodes airing at 7pm on E4.
