Brookside was the groundbreaking soap that shocked the UK for 21 years. From tragic deaths to dramatic reinventions, here’s where its most iconic stars are now

Brookside first aired in 1982 before wrapping up in 2003(Image: Mirrorpix)

It was the gritty soap that shocked the nation, smashed taboos, and made suburban cul-de-sacs the stage for explosive drama.

Brookside was a typical soap that followed the everyday lives of its characters, from dramatic break-ups to shocking crimes that tackled real issues in the UK. First airing on Channel 4 on November 2 1982, the Liverpool-based soap ran for 21 dramatic years before its final episode aired on November 4, 2003.

Created by Phil Redmond, Brookside was never afraid to go where other soaps wouldn’t – from the UK’s first lesbian kiss on pre-watershed TV to tackling domestic abuse, incest, and even a body buried under the patio. But what happened to Brookside’s cast after the show ended?

From tragic losses to completely unexpected career paths, here’s what became of some of the show’s biggest stars.

Dean Sullivan (Jimmy Corkhill)

Dean died aged 68(Image: Getty Images)

Jimmy was a troubled drug addict turned teacher on the show, standing as one of Brookside’s longest-running characters on-screen. Played by Dean Sullivan, he joined the series in 1986 and featured in major storylines.

Sadly, in 2023 Dean died at 68 years old after battling prostate cancer, which he bravely shared just months before he died. The actor had been diagnosed in 2018 and had been undergoing treatment.

Fans and co-stars paid tribute following his death.

Sue Jenkins (Jackie Corkhill)

Sue Jenkins attends Dean Sullivan’s funeral(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

Jackie Corkhill was Jimmy Corkhill’s long-suffering wife, navigating his emotional spirals and schemes through many of the show’s most gripping plots.

Actress Sue Jenkins has continued acting since the show ended, with roles in Coronation Street, Holby City, and Doctors. She also appeared in theatre productions and is now a vocal supporter of arts education.

Now aged 66, Sue is married to David Fleeshman with three children, Richard, Emily and Rosie.

Anna Friel (Beth Jordache)

Anna Friel was one half of the UK’s first pre-watershed lesbian kiss(Image: Channel 4)

Beth Jordache became a cultural icon when she featured in the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss on British television, in a storyline that made international headlines. The episode aired in January 1994, and also featured Margaret Clemence played by Nicola Stephenson.

Since then, Anna has carved out a hugely successful acting career on both sides of the Atlantic, starring in shows like Pushing Daisies, Marcella, and The Girlfriend Experience. She’s also become a red carpet regular and award-winning actress.

Anna, 48, has been married twice and has one child.

Claire Sweeney (Lindsey Corkhill)

Claire Sweeney recently revisited the filming set(Image: WireImage)

Lindsey was part of the troubled Corkhill clan, embroiled in love triangles, dodgy dealings, and emotional showdowns. Lindsey was originally a recurring character and was later promoted to the show’s regular cast in 1995

Actress Claire became a household name post-Brookside, moving into musical theatre, releasing an album, and becoming a Loose Women panellist. She recently returned to soapland with a role in Coronation Street.

This week, Claire surprised fans of Brookside as she revisited the homes where the show was once filmed in West Derby. The 53-year-old took to Instagram with number of pictures and videos from the spontaneous trip down memory lane.

In the video she shared on Instagram, Claire told fans she had visited the area last year but noticed a “beautiful little surprise” under the Brookside sign in remembrance of Dean Sullivan, who played on-screen dad Jimmy.

Michael Starke (Sinbad Sweeney)

Sinbad was a fan favourite on the show(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

Sinbad Sweeney was a window cleaner with a heart of gold. He was a fan favourite, joining the cast in 1984.

Actor Michael Starke went on to appear in The Royal, Coronation Street, and even had a stint in Benidorm. He’s also become a regular on the pantomime circuit and a proud ambassador for Liverpool’s arts scene.

Now aged 67, his most recent appearance was in Hollyoaks as a taxi driver between 2021 and 2023.

Jennifer Ellison (Emily Shadwick)

Jennifer Ellison (left) during her time on the show(Image: Mirrorpix)

Emily’s time on the soap ended in heartbreak, and her character’s tragic fall from a window was one of Brookside’s most shocking exits.

Actress Jennifer turned to pop music, reality TV (Dancing on Ice, Hell’s Kitchen), and theatre, before opening her own dance academy in Liverpool. She also starred in the West End and lives a quieter life focused on family.

She is married to Rob Tickle and has three children.

Louis Emerick (Mick Johnson)

Louis Emerick has continued acting(Image: Lime)

Mick Johnson was the straight-talking single dad and mini-mart owner with a strong moral compass. He made his final appearance on August 22 2001 with the character’s first appearance coming in 1989.

Actor Louis Emerick, 64, has continued acting in TV dramas and soaps, including Coronation Street and Doctors, and appeared in theatre tours across the UK.

Where are the others?

Several cast members left the industry altogether – some moved abroad, others stepped away from the limelight. A few, like Ray Quinn (who briefly appeared in the later years), reinvented themselves entirely. Ray went on to become a singer and X Factor finalist, with a stage career.