Brookside delivered an emotional tribute to Dean Sullivan during its special crossover episode with Hollyoaks.

The Channel 4 drama made a spectacular return on Wednesday evening (October 22), marking 22 years since viewers last visited the Close. The Merseyside-set programme joined forces with Hollyoaks to celebrate its 30th milestone with a thrilling one-off special.

Brookside first graced our screens on November 2, 1982, introducing audiences to 12 characters across three founding families. Among them were Ricky Tomlinson as Bobby Grant, Sue Johnston as his wife Sheila, alongside their lads Barry and Damon, portrayed by Paul Usher and Simon O'Brien.

Dean Sullivan joined the Brookside family four years later, bringing the beloved Jimmy Corkhill to life.

He remained a fixture on the programme from 1986 right through to its conclusion in 2003.

Sullivan claimed the British Soap Award for outstanding achievement in 2003 for his portrayal of Jimmy in the Mersey TV drama, having embodied the character for an impressive 17 years, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The performer had been battling prostate cancer since his 2018 diagnosis and sadly died in November 2023, aged 68.

His family announced with "deep sadness" that the actor had "passed away peacefully following a short illness".

They added: "Dean is best remembered as the longest serving cast member of Channel 4's groundbreaking Brookside, playing the role of Jimmy Corkhill, making Dean a British soap icon.

"To millions he was and very much still is remembered as 'Jimmy', to family and friends he was 'Dino'."

Sullivan was born and raised in Liverpool, and appeared in Brookside during the programme's heyday, when it regularly attracted audiences of eight million viewers.

Throughout Brookside's special one-off episode, photographs of Jimmy Corkhill could be spotted in Sheila Grant's (Sue Johnston) lounge, providing a touching homage to the beloved actor.

In one particular moment, a picture was positioned behind John McArdle, who portrays Sheila's second spouse, Billy Corkhill.

Posting on X, one fan commented: "Picture of Jimmy Corkhill aww #hollyoaks", whilst another remarked: "It's a shame we won't see Jimmy Corkhill."

A third observer noted: "Jimmy Corkhill picture #Brookside", accompanied by a tearful emoji.

"Dean will be so proud looking down tonight #brookside #hollyoaks30 #hollyoaks!", penned another viewer, whilst someone else reflected: "Jimmy Corkhill miss Dean."

Brookside fans in tears as Channel 4 soap pays tribute to Dean Sullivan in one-off special - Daily Star