UPDATE: |Brookside stars now – from tragic death to X Factor success and Hollywood fame News

Brookside was the gritty soap that shocked the nation, smashed taboos, and made suburban cul-de-sacs the stage for explosive drama with stars like Anna Friel and Jennifer Ellison

Brookside, the hard-hitting soap that shocked the nation and broke taboos, turned ordinary suburban cul-de-sacs into a stage for explosive drama. The show followed the everyday lives of its characters, from dramatic break-ups to shocking crimes that tackled real issues in the UK.

It first aired on Channel 4 on November 2, 1982, and ran for 21 years before its final episode on November 4, 2003.

The Liverpool-based soap was created by Phil Redmond and was never afraid to push boundaries – 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 the cast of Brookside 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 Sullivan, who played Jimmy Corkhill, was one of Brookside’s longest-running characters. Jimmy was a troubled drug addict turned teacher who featured in major storylines, reports the Mirror.

Sadly, Dean passed away at the age of 68 in 2023 after a battle with prostate cancer, which he bravely shared just months before his death. He had been diagnosed in 2018 and had been undergoing treatment.

Tributes poured in from fans and co-stars following his death.

Sue Jenkins (Jackie Corkhill)

Sue Jenkins portrayed Jackie Corkhill.

Jackie Corkhill, played by Sue Jenkins, was the long-suffering wife of Jimmy Corkhill. She navigated his emotional spirals and schemes through many of the show’s most gripping plots.

Sue Jenkins has continued her acting career 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 and they have three children, Richard, Emily and Rosie.

Anna Friel (Beth Jordache)

Anna Friel portrayed Beth Jordache, who 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 played Lindsey Corkhill, 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, who rose to prominence following her time on Brookside, has extended her talents to musical theatre, released an album, and graced the Loose Women panel. She has recently made a splash in Coronation Street as well.

Claire thrilled Brookside aficionados this week by returning to the streets of West Derby where the beloved show was filmed. The 53-year-old took to Instagram to share her nostalgia-filled journey through multiple photos and videos.

During her visit, captured in an Instagram video, Claire reminisced about coming to the area last year and finding a poignant “beautiful little surprise” beneath the Brookside sign—a homage to Dean Sullivan, remembered for his role as her on-screen father, Jimmy.

Michael Starke (Sinbad Sweeney)

Michael Starke, known affectionately as Sinbad Sweeney, became a household name thanks to his portrayal of the kind-hearted window cleaner. A fan favourite since his debut in 1984, Starke later joined casts of The Royal and Coronation Street, enjoyed a spot in Benidorm, and is an enthusiastic staple of the pantomime scene.

At 67, he supports Liverpool’s arts as an ambassador and featured on Hollyoaks as a taxi driver from 2021 to 2023.

Jennifer Ellison (Emily Shadwick)

Jennifer Ellison, famed for her role as Emily Shadwick on Brookside, left the show in an unforgettable manner, with her character’s devastating plunge marking one of the soap’s most dramatic departures.

Actress Jennifer has had a varied career, dabbling in pop music, reality TV shows like Dancing on Ice and Hell’s Kitchen, and theatre. She even opened her own dance academy in Liverpool.

Now, she leads a quieter life, focusing on her family and her work in the West End. She is married to Rob Tickle and they have three children.

Louis Emerick (Mick Johnson)

Louis Emerick, who played Mick Johnson, was known for his straight-talking character, a single dad and mini-mart owner with a strong moral compass. His first appearance was in 1989 and he made his final appearance on August 22 2001.

Louis, now 64, has continued his acting career, appearing in TV dramas and soaps such as Coronation Street and Doctors, as well as touring theatres across the UK.

Where are the others?

As for the rest of the cast, several members left the industry altogether. Some moved abroad, while 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.