Skip to content

Brookside stars join Hollyoaks after soap return

Lauren HirstNorth West
News imageHollyoaks/Lime Pictures Philip Olivier, who is wearing a black jacket and maroon jumper, is standing in the middle of Abi Philips, who is wearing a brightly coloured blue and green jack and beret, and Anna Passey, who is wearing a yellow coat and black jumper, on the Hollyoaks set. Hollyoaks/Lime Pictures
Actor Philip Olivier said he was "happy to be back in the building"

The worlds of Hollyoaks and Brookside are set to collide once again as two familiar faces join the cast.

Brookside stars Philip Olivier and Suzanne Collins will reprise their roles in Hollyoaks as Timothy "Tinhead" O'Leary and Nikki Shadwick.

It comes after the recent soap crossover episode celebrating Hollyoaks' 30th anniversary where camera crews returned to the famous cul-de-sac in Liverpool for the one-off special episode.

Collins said she had been "floating around on cloud nine with the biggest secret smile on my face" since being informed of her character's return.

"The response to the crossover was incredible, so warm and positive," she said.

"I couldn't believe my luck when I saw Nikki has a friendship with the iconic Mercedes [McQueen].

"I'm a huge fan of Jen, always have been. She's an incredible actress."

Olivier added: "I'm so happy to be back in the building.

News imageHollyoaks/Lime Pictures Jennifer Metcalfe, who is wearing a grey tracksuit and red top, is standing next to Nikki Shadwick, who is wearing a cream jumper, with her arm around her shoulder on the set of Hollyoaks, Hollyoaks/Lime Pictures
Nikki Shadwick, pictured left, said she was delighted to work alongside Jennifer Metcalfe

"Tinhead's got a new fling this time around but he's also got some unfinished business lurking in the background."

A new trailer teased sparks flying between Liberty Savage and Tinhead, but he may not be all he appears as it is revealed he has an ulterior motive.

Meanwhile, Nikki forms a new friendship with Mercedes in upcoming scenes, after the pair meet at a local rehabilitation facility.

Also at the clinic is Jenson, played by Waterloo Road and Coronation Street actor Ryan Clayton, who later confronts Tinhead over his use of Warren Fox's identity.

The crossover episode which aired in October saw Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson among the cast reprising their roles at Brookside Close.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.