Brookside returns to screens across the UK after 20 years off-air.
The iconic Liverpool soap is streamed by Scottish TV channel STV, but the channel is available to anyone living in the UK.
Set in Liverpool, the soap chronicled the lives of characters living in 13 houses on a cul-de-sac called Brookside Close.
To cheer! Brookside returns to screens across the UK after 20 years off-air
The program will be shown from the beginning, news that will undoubtedly please nostalgic soap fans who saw the series when it first aired in the 1980s.
The first 10 episodes will be added to STV Plater on February 1st and five episodes per week will be available from then on.
Brookside originally aired on Channel 4’s first day of airing on 2 November 1982 and proved an instant hit with viewers.
Fan favorites included Bobby and Sheila and Grant, played by Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston.
The show launched the careers of many industry heavyweights, including Anna Friel, Amanda Burton and Claire Sweeney.
The grants! Fan favorites included Bobby and Sheila and Grant, played by Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston
Prior to the re-release of old episodes, they were re-mastered by Lime Pictures, the company that originally made the show when it was still known as Mersey Television.
A spokesman said: “Brookside is a program held with deep affection at Lime Pictures. Its strong social conscience, combined with a powerhouse of Nordic acting talent and writers, made it a must-see and formed a model of storytelling that has stood the test of time.
“We’re excited for audiences to revisit, or enjoy investing in, this era of groundbreaking television that Liverpool brought to the television landscape.”
Conceived by Sir Philip Redmond, creator of Grange Hill and Hollyoaks, and produced by his company, the soap attracted millions of viewers.
Shoot to stardom: The show launched the careers of many industry heavyweights including Anna Friel, Amanda Burton and Claire Sweeney (pictured left)
At its peak, the show drew nine million viewers before closing on November 4, 2003.
Sunetra Sarker said she owes the beloved soap “a lot” after landing the role of Nisha Batra after being spotted at a bus stop when she was 15.
The Ackley Bridge and Casualty actress added, “If I had known then that Brookside Close would be the path that led me to my surprising and eventful career, I would never have believed it.”
“I’m thrilled to have STV Player Brookie back on the air after all these years. I keep hearing fans tell me how much they still miss the show. Get the streaming and see how groundbreaking this Liverpool-based soap opera was all those years ago.
Throughout its run, the show explored issues like LGBT+ and hard-hitting storylines like rape, bullying, and incest.
Beginning of the soap: Sunetra Sarker (pictured left) said she owes the beloved soap “a lot” after being cast to play Nisha Batra after being spotted at a bus stop at 3pm
In 1985, teenage character Gordon Collins came out as gay to his family on the soap opera.
The character, played by both Mark Burgess and Nigel Crowley, became the first openly gay character in a British television series when the episode aired.
Brookside also had the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss in British history between characters Beth Jordache, played by Anna Friel, and Margaret Clemence, portrayed by future Emmerdale actress Nicola Stephenson.
Anna’s career took her to America, where she appeared in the comedy series Pushing Daisies, opposite Susan Sarandon in the country music drama Monarch, and opposite Bradley Cooper in the film Limitless.
Career: Anna’s career has taken her to America, where she has appeared in the comedy series Pushing Daisies, alongside Susan Sarandon in the country music drama Monarch, and alongside Bradley Cooper in the film Limitless (pictured in Broken).
Silent Witness actress Amanda, Hollyoaks actress Alex Fletcher and West End musical star Claire Sweeney also started their careers on the soap.
The soap, currently partially available on All 4, was brought to STV following a deal with distributor All3Media International.
Richard Williams, STV’s Managing Director of Digital, said: “It may be two decades since Brookside came to an end, but the passionate fans’ love for the show has never waned.
“We’re thrilled to be the first streaming service to bring this iconic piece of TV history back to viewers’ living rooms for free, and I hope superfans and new viewers alike enjoy the nostalgic drama Brookside is bringing to STV.” player has to offer .’
Brookside will arrive on STV Player with the first 10 episodes on February 1st, and five new episodes will be landing each week thereafter.