```html Sue Johnston Returns to Brookside for Hollyoaks Anniversary Special

Actress Sue Johnston, famed for her role as Sheila Grant (later Corkhill) in the iconic Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, is set to reprise her character for a one-off special episode. The special will mark the 30th anniversary of Hollyoaks, another creation of Sir Philip Redmond, the mastermind behind both series.

Filming is scheduled to take place in September on the original Brookside Close set in West Derby, Liverpool. Johnston's return marks a significant moment for fans of the groundbreaking soap, which tackled challenging social issues during its run from 1982 to 2003.

First Cast Member Announced

Johnston, appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2009 for her services to drama, is the first cast member to be officially announced for the anniversary episode. Further announcements regarding the return of other popular Brookside characters are expected soon, heightening anticipation among fans.

"It'll be so lovely to go back and be Sheila for a day as it was such a big, enjoyable part of my life," Johnston stated. Her portrayal of Sheila, a Liverpudlian matriarch grappling with financial hardship and family crises, resonated deeply with viewers during the show's peak.

Brookside's Legacy: Hard-Hitting Storylines and Social Commentary

Brookside, conceived by Sir Philip Redmond, distinguished itself with its unflinching portrayal of real-life issues. The soap addressed sensitive topics such as rape, bullying, incest, and unemployment, often sparking national debate and influencing public perception. At its height, the show commanded audiences of nine million viewers, establishing itself as a cultural phenomenon.

Dr. Beth Johnson, a media studies lecturer at the University of Liverpool specializing in British soap operas, notes Brookside's enduring impact. "Brookside was revolutionary in its approach to social realism. It wasn't afraid to tackle taboo subjects, pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable on television and forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths," she says. "Its influence can still be seen in contemporary soaps, which continue to address important social issues, albeit with varying degrees of success."

Sheila Grant: A Character That Defined an Era

Johnston's character, Sheila Grant, became a symbol of working-class resilience and maternal strength. Viewers empathized with Sheila's struggles, from battling financial difficulties alongside her husband Bobby (played by Ricky Tomlinson) to coping with personal tragedies, including a violent attack and the death of her son Damon.

The character's storylines often mirrored the socio-economic realities of the 1980s and 1990s, contributing to Brookside's reputation for authenticity and relevance. Sheila's eventual departure from Brookside Close with Billy Corkhill in 1990 marked the end of an era for many viewers.

A Nostalgic Return to Brookside Close

The return to Brookside Close holds particular significance as it marks the first time the iconic street has been featured on screen since the soap concluded in 2003. The final scene depicted Jimmy Corkhill, played by the late Dean Sullivan, defacing the "Brookside" sign, leaving it as "Brookside Closed," a poignant symbol of the show's end.

Professor John Ellis, a leading expert in television history at Royal Holloway, University of London, emphasizes the importance of nostalgia in contemporary television. "The revival of Brookside, even in this limited form, taps into a powerful sense of nostalgia for a time when television felt more connected to real life," he explains. "It reminds us of the power of soap operas to reflect and shape our understanding of society."

Crossover with Hollyoaks

The special episode will be a crossover with Hollyoaks, bringing together two of Sir Philip Redmond's most successful creations. The exact nature of the crossover remains under wraps, but it is expected to pay homage to Brookside's legacy while celebrating Hollyoaks' milestone anniversary.

The filming in September will undoubtedly draw crowds of fans eager to witness the return of Brookside to its original setting. The episode is expected to air later this year as part of Hollyoaks' 30th-anniversary celebrations. ```