Brookside was Channel 4’s flagship soap, running for 21 years

Liverpool Film Office has assisted in the use of the now-residential close that was previously the set for C4 soap Brookside, for a special Hollyoaks episode.

Exceptional permission has been granted by the owner of the close and the Liverpool Film Office, for the former set and production offices – now a residential, unadopted road in West Derby – to host filming on the special next month.

The crossover episode marks the 30th anniversary of C4 soap Hollyoaks in October, honouring its predecessor Brookside and their creator Phil Redmond.

Brookside was ground-breaking for C4, beginning in November 1982 and running for 21 years. It was the broadcaster’s flagship drama, and was consistently its highest-rated show over a ten-year period.

Redmond said: “It is always bitter sweet thinking back to Brookie, the reminders of its success and impact, but the thoughts of many, like Dean Sullivan and Bill Dean, who are no longer with us.

“But it is great that Lime Pictures are paying homage in their Hollyoaks anniversary cross over episodes.

“I can’t wait to see how all the gardens are coping in the heatwave and, who knows, what might pop up if someone decides to re-lay their patio. I know we left something else down there.”

Hollyoaks executive producer Hannah Cheers added: “This episode is a love letter to both Hollyoaks and Brookside… For everyone at Lime Pictures [originally Mersey TV, producers of Brookside], Hollyoaks’ history is deeply rooted in Brookside, and its legacy lives on through our crew and, of course, some of our cast.

“This special feels like both a moving and fitting tribute to our origin story and a chance for fans to revisit much-loved Brookside characters in honour of that legacy.”