Fans were overjoyed when former Brookside star Claire Sweeney made a return to the famous cul-de-sac. The Coronation Street star posted on her Instagram to say she had visited West Derby and decided to take her son, Jaxon Reilly, to see Brookside Close for the first time.
The 53-year-old told fans she had visited the area last year but noticed a “beautiful little surprise” under the Brookside sign in remembrance of Dean Sullivan, who played Jimmy Corkhill in the show. Dean sadly died in November 2023 aged 68.
In the clip on her Instagram, Claire showed Jaxon where her character Lindsey Corkhill lived. Her son spotted the remembrance plaque for Dean under the Brookside Close sign. In the video Claire said “oh I love that” and described it as “beautiful”.
The sign reads: “In loving memory of Dean Sullivan who was known as Jimmy Corkhill in Brookside for many years. He will be greatly loved and missed and remembered for ever xxxx.”
In her Instagram caption, Claire said: “Was in West Derby, Liverpool. And decided to take my son to see Brookside Close. I had visited myself last year. What a beautiful little surprise under the Brookside sign. RIP Dean Sullivan @susie.jenks @louis_emerick_2 […] happy times.”
Fans were also delighted to see Claire back in the area, with many calling for the hit Channel 4 soap to make a return. One person said: “Bring back Brookie.” Another person added: “The Corkhill’s were, without doubt, the best family in Brookside. I love that you and your screen dad Jimmy were there right at the end.”
A third Instagram user said: “Oh Claire that just made me cry! That someone has left that plaque for Dean . There are some genuinely lovely people out there! RIP my darling brother!”
Commenting on her post, fourth person added: “Aww Claire, I loved Brookside, how nice for you to go back there! The Corkhill’s were the best family on the show. My aunt got me into this when I was a kid – I’d love to watch them episodes again.”
The Channel 4 soap followed the lives of people living on an estate on the outskirts of Liverpool. The show was a huge hit with audiences and aired for 21 years, before it was discontinued in November 2003. Brookside – known affectionately as ‘Brookie’ – is one of Channel 4’s top-rated and much-loved shows
The show was responsible for launching the careers of many actors, with stars of the show going on to other popular television shows, films and theatre productions. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter. Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here.