Claire Sweeney has issued an update on whether she will be returning to Brookside. The 53-year-old is currently part of the cast on Coronation Street and has been a hit with fans since she joined the show as Cassandra Plummer in 2023.

Claire made her name as Lindsey Corkhill as she played the character in the Liverpool set soap from 1991 to 2003. Excitement is building after a one off return to the L12 cul-de-sac was confirmed as part of a crossover episode with Hollyoaks. The unique episode will be broadcast in honour of Hollyoaks’ 30th and also act as a celebration of Sir Phil Redmond’s career.

Stars such as Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston, Philip Olivier, Suzanne Collins and John McArdle have already been confirmed the for the show. However, Claire has confirmed she will not be one of the famous faces reprising her role as she also shared her excitement for the return.

“I got out the car and I started filling up with tears. I was in front of my old house.” Ricky’s return was confirmed earlier this month when camera crews were back on Brookside side close for one day only after exceptional permission was granted by the cul-de-sac’s owner and Liverpool Film Office.

Reacting to the news of his return as Bobby Grant, Ricky said: “It will be lovely to take part in Brookside again especially to work alongside Sue Johnston. I’m looking forward to being on the close again after all these years.”

The Grants were one of the original families on the trailblazing show, which changed television forever when it debuted in 1982. Ricky played the trade unionist to great acclaim up until he departed the programme in 1988.

The ECHO was on set in West Derby on September 3 on a momentous day for the city and captured images of Philip and Suzanne back in character in their respective roles as Tim ‘Tinhead’ O’Leary and Nikki Shadwick.

Michael Starke was also pictured on set as he is set to reprise his role as Thomas ‘Sinbad’ Sweeney. Images captured a heart-warming scene play out as the three actors embraced on the famous cul-de-sac.

Louis Emerick, who played Mick Johnson, has also confirmed his involvement in a post on social media. The homes on Brookside Close were custom built for the show in the 1980s and are now home to actual residents.

The residents were invited to share lunch with the cast and the crew from Lime Pictures in celebration of cameras returning to Brookside Close.

It will be the first time that Brookside Close has been on air since it ended with Jimmy Corkhill (played by the late Dean Sullivan) daubing a ‘d’ onto the sign, leaving it as ‘Brookside Closed’ before driving out of the cul-de-sac. Sir Phil paid tribute to the late star in his statement after the show’s one off episode was confirmed.

The Huyton-born showrunner said: “It is always bitter sweet thinking back to Brookie, the reminders of its success and impact, but the thoughts of many, like Dean Sullivan and Bill Dean, who are no longer with us.

“But it is great that Lime Pictures are paying homage in their Hollyoaks anniversary cross over episodes. I can’t wait to see how all the gardens are coping in the heatwave and, who knows, what might pop up if someone decides to re-lay their patio. I know we left something else down there.”

Former Brookside writer Steve Hughes has penned the episode and executive producer, Hannah Cheers, described the project as a love letter to both Hollyoaks and the classic Liverpool soap.

She said: “Brookside gave birth to Hollyoaks – it grew up on the same site and eventually took over its sets. For everyone at Lime Pictures (originally Mersey TV), Hollyoaks’ history is deeply rooted in Brookside, and its legacy lives on through our crew and, of course, some of our cast.

“This special feels like both a moving and fitting tribute to our origin story and a chance for fans to revisit much-loved Brookside characters in honour of that legacy.

“These iconic Brookside characters are soap archetypes that helped define British TV; soap archetypes that new generations are still discovering now through Hollyoaks.

“As a lifelong soap fan who grew up watching with my mum, I was passionate about revisiting Brookside for the anniversary. With Sir Phil’s blessing — after I had the privilege of pitching the idea to him — and the support of Channel 4, we’re able to make it happen.

“Writer Steve Hughes, who began his career on Brookside, has reimagined where these characters are more than twenty years on. We hope audiences will enjoy welcoming these old friends back into their homes once again.” The episode will be broadcast next month.