Lots of media outlets have been reporting the exciting news that Brookside is returning in 2025… sort of!
Channel 4 has announced a special Brookside and Hollyoaks crossover episode to celebrate Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary, bringing back characters, storylines and even the iconic Brookside Close after more than 20 years.
Hollyoaks was also created by Sir Phil Redmond and Lime Pictures in 1995, and there have been links between the two soaps. The character of Matt Musgrove crossed over into the soap in 2000 and stayed for four years. After Brookside ended, several actors turned up in new roles on Hollyoaks and some of the houses and shops sets were repurposed. Now, two decades later, the worlds are set to collide in a nostalgic crossover.
What we know about the Brookside / Hollyoaks crossover
The crossover will air later in 2025 as part of Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary celebrations.
Brookside Close will return to screens (outside of documentaries) for the first time in over 22 years.
Iconic Brookside characters are expected to appear, with writer Steve Hughes (who began his career on Brookside) involved in reimagining the stories.
Louis Emerick (previously Mick Johnson in Brookside, now Donny Clark in Hollyoaks) has teased that Brookside character Froggy Black will play a key role in the storyline.
Filming starts in September 2025, with local residents of the real-life cul-de-sac even invited to join in the celebrations.
Reactions from Cast and Creatives
Hollyoaks’ executive producer Hannah Cheers described the project as:
“A love letter to both Hollyoaks and Brookside. One couldn’t exist without the other.”
Meanwhile, Sir Phil Redmond called it “bittersweet” but expressed delight that Brookside’s legacy will be honoured on screen once more.
Why this matters for Brookside fans
For longtime viewers, this crossover is a dream come true. It’s not just a cameo or a flashback, this is a genuine revival of the Brookside for the first time, since the straight-to-DVD episodes didn’t continue and woven into a modern Hollyoaks storyline.
Could the success of Brookside episodes being put up on STV player have paved the way for this?
When will the Brookside / Hollyoaks Crossover air?
Channel 4 has confirmed the special episode will air later in 2025. An exact broadcast date hasn’t yet been revealed, but filming begins in September, so fans won’t have to wait too long.
As soon as we have more information, we’ll share the news on here. If you live nearby or taking part in the filming, we’d love to hear your set reports and any photos or videos. Get in touch!
Why don’t they make a few episodes of Brookside for the fans.
It might take off as Other soaps are getting boring!