A beloved Brookside star is to reprise her role for the hotly anticipated return of the Channel 4 programme.
As Hollyoaks marks its 30th birthday, Brookside's cast will reunite for one night only, 22 years after the Liverpool-based soap was axed.
Now, actor Sue Johnston has confirmed that she will be reprising the role of Sheila Grant.
Beloved actress to reprise Brookside role amid Hollyoaks crossover
According to The Sun, Sue said: “It'll be so lovely to go back and be Sheila for a day as it was such a big, enjoyable part of my life."
The 81-year-old is the first cast member to be announced by Channel 4, playing the role of a matriarch who was no stranger to hardship.
These difficult times include the tragic stabbing of her son, Damon, in London.
Discussing the Hollyoaks and Brookside crossover, Executive Producer Hannah Cheers said: “This episode is a love letter to both Hollyoaks and Brookside.
“Brookside gave birth to Hollyoaks — it grew up on the same site and eventually took over its sets.
“For everyone at Lime Pictures (originally Mersey TV), 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.
“These iconic Brookside characters are soap archetypes that helped define British TV; soap archetypes that new generations are still discovering now through Hollyoaks.
“As a lifelong soap fan who grew up watching with my mum, I was passionate about revisiting Brookside for the anniversary. With Sir Phil’s blessing — after I had the privilege of pitching the idea to him — and the support of Channel 4, we’re able to make it happen.
“Writer Steve Hughes, who began his career on Brookside, has reimagined where these characters are more than twenty years on. We hope audiences will enjoy welcoming these old friends back into their homes once again.”
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When is the Brookside and Hollyoaks crossover episode coming to our screens?
While an exact date has not yet been revealed, Hollyoaks will mark its 30th anniversary in October, according to Channel 4.
So, it would be safe to assume that this episode will air around the same time.
Brookside came to an end in 2003, while Hollyoaks has been on the air since 1995.
Those wishing to watch the old episodes of Brookside can do so on All4 and STV Player.
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