Two more Brookside legends join Hollyoaks crossover and fans will be delighted

Two more Brookside legends will appear in the upcoming Hollyoaks crossover to mark the Channel 4 soap's 30th anniversary.

The special one-off episode was announced earlier this month and is due to air in October.

It has been confirmed that Sue Johnston will be reprising her role as Sheila Grantand the actress be joined by John McArdie and Paul Usher who are coming back as Billy Corkhill and Barry Grant respectively.

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Billy became an integral character when he moved into to the Close in the 1980s with his wife Doreen (Kate Fitzgerald) and their teenage children Rod (Jason Hope) and Tracy (Justine Kerrigan).

The character was a devoted husband and family man and the show shed light on men's mental health through Billy's struggles after losing his job, which spiralled into a breakdown.

The emotional toll of his behaviour weighed heavily on his wife and strained their marriage beyond repair, ultimately leading to their divorce and Doreen’s departure.

John’s character later found love again with matriarch Shelia, played by Sue, and the pair got married in September 1990.

Speaking about his return, John said: "It's going to be a nostalgic visit back to the famous close.

"Also I've got to try and find the character of Billy Corkhill again as I haven’t played him for 35 years!"

As part of the crossover with Hollyoaks, Billy will also visit Hollyoaks village, in other episodes.

Soap star Paul is also returning as Barry, who fans will remember has a chequered history of committing many crimes and was the show's first "villain".

Speaking about his comeback, the actor said: "I'm looking forward to seeing all of the old faces."

Filming has begun for the anticipated crossover to celebrate Hollyoaks' 30th anniversary and the legacy of both show’s creator, Sir Phil Redmond.

Filming will take place in September with exceptional permission granted by the owner of the close and the Liverpool Film Office - as the former set and production offices, as the unadopted road in West Derby is now home to residents.

Brookside episodes are available from the start on STV player, after they were digitally restored in a joint project between Lime Pictures and All3Media International.

The Brookside and Hollyoaks crossover episode is due to air later this year