Brookside was a British television soap opera that aired on Channel 4 from 1982 to 2003. The series was set in a fictional suburb of Liverpool, and it followed the lives of the residents of Brookside Close.
Brookside was created by Phil Redmond, who had previously created the successful soap opera Grange Hill. Redmond wanted to create a soap opera that was more realistic and edgier than the traditional soaps of the time. He also wanted to explore social issues and challenge viewers’ attitudes.
When Brookside first aired in 1982, it was a groundbreaking series. It was the first soap opera to feature a pre-watershed lesbian kiss, and it tackled issues such as drug addiction, domestic violence, and abortion. The series was also known for its innovative storytelling techniques, such as using split-screen and flashbacks.
Over the years, Brookside became one of the most popular and successful soap operas on British television. It was known for its strong characters and gripping storylines, and it launched the careers of several actors, including Anna Friel, Ricky Tomlinson, and Amanda Burton.
One of the most memorable storylines in Brookside was the “Body under the Patio” plot, which aired in 1993. The storyline involved the discovery of a dead body buried under the patio of one of the houses on Brookside Close. The storyline was controversial and drew criticism from some viewers, but it also boosted the show’s ratings.
Brookside came to an end in 2003 after 21 years on the air. The series finale was watched by over 2 million viewers, and it marked the end of an era for British television. Despite its controversial storylines and innovative storytelling, Brookside remains a beloved and influential series in the history of British television.