Brookside’s Tim ‘Tinhead’ O’Leary and Nikki Shadwick return for Hollyoaks crossover

Two more Brookside stars have been confirmed to appear in the special Hollyoaks crossover episode next month as Philip Olivier and Suzanne Collins reprise their roles

Two additional Brookside legends are set to grace the special Hollyoaks crossover episode next month.

Philip Olivier and Suzanne Collins are making their comeback as Timothy ‘Tinhead’ O’Leary and Nikki Shadwick in the milestone episode celebrating Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary.

Tinhead made his debut in 1996 as a wayward pupil at Brookside Comprehensive, quickly establishing himself as one of the school’s more challenging students.

As the son of Carmel and Tommy O’Leary, and sibling to Ben and Melanie, the O’Leary clan became central figures in the soap’s storylines, with Philip’s character forming a meaningful relationship with Sinbad (Michael Starke), who served as a guiding light.

Following a devastating accident that nearly claimed his sister Melanie’s life, Tinhead embarked on a journey of redemption, reports the Mirror.

Romance blossomed when Tim met Emily Shadwick, Nikki’s sister, culminating in their 2001 wedding, but his protective nature couldn’t shield them from tragedy when Emily’s criminal activities led to her death during a botched robbery in 2002.

Nikki was a mainstay on Brookside Close from 1998 through to the series finale in 2003, with Jimmy Corkhill, portrayed by the late Dean Sullivan, serving as her father figure – Suzanne sharing one of the soap’s final ever scenes with him.

Reflecting on her return, Suzanne expressed: “I’m so honoured and privileged to be part of this special episode and to play Nikki again. It was life changing getting cast in this role all those years ago, and I’m eternally grateful.

“I’ve been fortunate to work for nearly 30 years, all over the world with wonderful people, but nothing comes close to my Brookside family, many I still see and work with and who have become like real family.

“I feel like I’m going home. It will be emotional without our darling Dean, but I think he will be looking down, beaming with pride and smiling down on us.

“I think it’s wonderful what Hollyoaks are doing, such a fitting tribute, and a heartfelt thank you to Phil Redmond, Our Boss, whose genius vision changed all our lives and to whom we are all eternally grateful.”

Speaking about his comeback, Philip said: “It was a delight and surprise to be asked to join this special episode for Hollyoaks’ anniversary.

“When I was first cast in Brookside aged fifteen, I would never have thought that 30 years on, people would still be calling me ‘Tinhead’! I remember my time on Brookside with great affection and will relish returning to ‘the close’..”

John McArdie, Paul Usher and Sue Johnston are also making their comeback to Brookside as their characters Billy Corkhill, Barry Grant and Sheila Grant.

The Hollyoaks and Brookside episode is due to air in October