Hollyoaks intertwined with Brookside for a one-off episode with a special guest making a surprise appearance
Angie Quinn Screen Time Reporter
21:01, 22 Oct 2025Updated 21:04, 22 Oct 2025
Brookside returned for a one-off special on Wednesday evening (Image: Channel 4)
Hollyoaks has aired an explosive crossover episode with Brookside, and fans spotted a very special guest.
E4 aired a one-off episode of Brookside on October 22 as the iconic soap returned to screens after 22 years to celebrate Hollyoaks’ 30th birthday.
Soap fans were treated to a trip down memory lane as legends returned to Brookside Close, including Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston, Paul Usher, Philip Olivier, Suzanne Collins, Michael Starke, Louis Emerick and John McArdle.
Both beloved Channel 4 dramas were created by Grange Hill mastermind Sir Philip Redmond, with Brookside subsequently inspiring the development of Chester-set Hollyoaks.
In a brilliant twist, Sir Philip made a cameo in the Channel 4 soap on Wednesday. The moment came when Mick Johnson (Louis Emerick) returned to Brookside Close after hitching a ride from Chester by Thomas Sweeney, commonly known as Sinbad, played by Michael Starke.
Sir Philip Redmond made a special appearance in Brookside Close (Image: Channel 4)READ MORE: Brookside fans in tears as returning soap pays sweet tribute to icon Dean SullivanREAD MORE: Brookside’s Philip Olivier shares real reason behind Tinhead nickname
As cabbie Sinbad also reunited with old neighbours Nikki Shadwick (Suzanne Collins) and Tinhead (Philip Olivier), a mysterious man walked down the road.
Nikki asked Sinbad: “Is that your fare?”, as he quickly confirmed: “I think so, yeah.”
Sir Philip then asked: “You going to Chester, mate?”, and Sinbad inquired: “You’re not from around here, are you?”.
In a nod to the past, Sir Philip confirmed: “Used to be, but you know. Do you know the Dog In The Pond pub?”.
Sinbad warns Phil that there has been a big drama in Chester during the Hollyoaks and Brookside crossover (Image: Channel 4)
“There’s been a big to-do there today”, Sinbad chimed in as Sir Philip, cheekily replied: “Story of my life, mate. From one drama to another.”
Hollyoaks and Brookside fans wasted no time in sharing their excitement at seeing the soap’s creator, Sir Philip, on screen.
Taking to X, one fan wrote: “Had to watch the #Hollyoaks #Brookside mashup. Phil Redmond’s cameo is genius especially the “… one drama to another” line. I join the call to bring back #Brookie!”
A second stated: “Phil Redmond cameo! #Brookside #Hollyoaks #Hollyoaks30.”
Sir Philip Redmond made a surprise cameo during the Hollyoaks and Brookside special episode (Image: Channel 4)
A third chimed in: “Omg Phil Redmond making a cameo too, omg, i cannot cope! So proud to be scouse right now #hollyoaks #brookside.”
“This is just too good. Mick, Sinbad, Sheila, Tinhead, Nikki, Bobby, actual Phil Redmond! #Hollyoaks #Brookside”, exclaimed one fan.
“Phil Redmond saying “from one drama to another”.. see what he did there! Brilliant!! #Hollyoaks #Brookside”, added another.
The Hollyoaks and Brookside Crossover is available to stream on Channel 4.com