Brookside, commonly referred to as "Brookie", was a soap opera set in Liverpool, England, introduced with the then new British television network, Channel 4. Produced by Mersey Television, it aired from the channel's first night on 2 November 1982. Conceived by Phil Redmond, who also devised Grange Hill (1978-2008) and Hollyoaks (1995-present).

Brookside became well known for its tackling of realistic and socially challenging storylines and was most popular in the 1980s and early 1990s. In the mid-1990s it began raising more controversial, and perhaps sensationalist issues under the guidance of new producers such as Mal Young and Paul Marquess. It is especially well-known for broadcasting the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss on British television in December 1993, as well as a storyline featuring consensual incestuous sexual relations between two sibling characters during 1996. Although the series had a long and successful run, by the year 2000 its viewing figures were in decline and low ratings eventually called for its cancellation. The final episode was broadcast on 4 November 2003 and was watched by around 2 million viewers.

The first ever episode of Brookside was also shown as part of Channel 4 at 25 on 1 October 2007 on More4 as part of a season of celebratory Channel 4 programmes as it celebrates its 25th birthday.

Development

Brookside differed from other serials because it was filmed in real, brand-new houses, in a real cul-de-sac, in the North-West City of Liverpool. Built by Broseley Homes, the houses were custom built in an attempt by the producers to add to the show's realism. In early 1982, Mersey Television, with Phil Redmond at the helm, bought 13 houses altogether, 6 of which would be seen on-screen as sets, and the remaining 7 properties would house Administration, Post Production and Canteen facilities for the cast and crew. Phil Redmond especially saw the benefits of purchasing an entire 'close' of houses, not least as he was able to achieve the desired realism of Brookside, but also as he was able to maintain total control of his important creation.

Beginning

The first episodes concentrated on the development of the anchor Grant family, with Sheila (Sue Johnston) and Bobby (Ricky Tomlinson) having moved up the social ladder to a big, four-bedroomed house on the 'middle-class' Brookside Close from a run-down council estate. They were the first family to have moved onto the Close at Number 5, as initially, only three of the six new-builds were occupied by characters. Episode 1 saw the Collins' arrival, and they were conversely on their way down the social ladder, downsizing from their lavish home on the upmarket Wirral, to the small, box-sized Number 8 Brookside Close. Other characters included Heather (Amanda Burton in her TV debut) and Roger Huntingdon (Rob Spendlove), two young professionals residing at semi-detached Number 9, and next door at Number 10, low class Gavin (Daniel Webb) and Petra Taylor (Alexandra Pigg) moved in during very early episodes, selling stolen cookers from the front lawn, naturally infuriating the intriguing mix of new neighbours.