Sue Johnston, Ricky Tomlinson on reprising iconic Brookside roles – and if they’d star in a revival

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Sue Johnston (Sheila Grant 1982–1990)

Sue, how did you react when you were asked to play Sheila again?

I found the opportunity really appealing. Sheila Hancock was a major influence. After two decades working in theatre, my only television experience was a small role – playing Mrs. Chadwick in three episodes of Coronation Street.

Being a single parent, I was really stressed about what I’d do when my son started school, since my evening acting work wouldn’t be possible. I was actually applying to become a teacher when someone suggested I find an agent. That led to roles in *Coronation Street* and then *Brookside*, and honestly, it completely changed my life for the better. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity *Brookside* gave me.

What was the secret to Brookside’s success?

It felt fresh and connected with what people were experiencing. There was some initial controversy – activist Mary Whitehouse was quite upset by the language we used! But we were all figuring things out as we went, and that energy really came through on screen – you could tell how much passion and dedication we had for the project.

Is it nice to be reunite with Ricky Tomlinson?

Ricky and I have a strong working relationship and a history of collaborating – we first worked together on Brookside and then on The Royle Family. I remember Caroline Aherne saying she wanted us to play her parents in the show because she really liked our characters, Bobby and Sheila, and wanted to reunite us on screen. I care about Ricky a lot, but we approach work in different ways. He jokingly calls me ‘the classical actress’ because I trained at drama school!

Ricky Tomlinson (Bobby Grant 1982–1988)

Ricky, how did you get the part of Bobby?

I hadn’t been out of prison for very long when Brookside began in 1982, and I’d only had one acting job before – a BBC Play for Today called United Kingdom. Andy Lynch, one of the show’s first writers, saw my performance in that play and immediately called Phil Redmond, saying he’d found the right person to play Bobby. That’s really how I landed the role.

It was all so brand new to me but I took to it like a duck to water.

Why do people remember Brookside so fondly after all these years?

Because I think they can relate to it, simple as that. It was groundbreaking.

Did you ever think you’d play Bobby Grant again?

I was surprised to be asked, but when I learned it involved extra work for performers and would promote Liverpool – a city I’m proud to be associated with – I immediately agreed. I simply told them to let me know the details, and I’d be there.

If Brookside came back as a regular show after this special episode, would you be interested in joining the cast?

I’d definitely give it some thought. I’m busy with other projects and spending time with my grandchildren – I even wrote a children’s book, ‘Maggie & Jack and the Rusty Key,’ inspired by two of them! Returning to Brookie full-time would be a significant commitment, but I would seriously consider it because my time there was very rewarding, both for me and for Liverpool.

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2025-10-13 23:34