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Brookside was a British soap opera that aired on Channel 4 from 1982 to 2003. It was set in the fictional suburb of Liverpool and revolved around the lives of a group of families who lived on the Brookside estate. The show tackled many controversial topics such as homosexuality, drug addiction, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.

Paul Usher played the role of Barry Grant, a former drug dealer who struggled to stay on the straight and narrow. Alexandra Fletcher played his sister, Sheila Grant, who was also a recovering drug addict. Amanda Burton played Heather Haversham, a successful businesswoman who was married to the wealthy Roger Haversham, played by Kenneth Cope.

The show also featured the lives of other families, including the Collins family. Dean Sullivan played Jimmy Corkhill, a local handyman who was always getting into trouble with the law. Claire Sweeney played his fiery wife, Lindsey Corkhill. Anna Friel played Beth Jordache, who was involved in a lesbian relationship with Margaret Clemence, played by Nicola Stephenson. Their storyline was groundbreaking at the time and was the first time a same-sex kiss was broadcast on British television.

Other notable characters included Sue Johnston and Sue Jenkins, who played Sheila and Bobby Grant's mother and sister respectively. Mary Tamm played Commander Jane Scott, a naval officer who became romantically involved with Barry Grant. Helen Grace played Max Farnham's wife, Susannah. Ian Hendry played Max Farnham, a wealthy businessman who had a complicated family life.

The show also featured younger characters such as Bernie Nolan, who played Diane Murray, a single mother who was trying to make a better life for herself and her son. Philip Olivier played Tim O'Leary, a young man who struggled to come to terms with his homosexuality. Jennifer Ellison and Ray Quinn played Emily and Anthony Murray, Diane's children.

Dicken Ashworth played Harry Cross, a retired teacher who took an interest in the lives of the younger characters on the estate. Simon O'Brien played Damon Grant, Barry and Sheila's younger brother who was killed off in a tragic storyline.

Over the years, Brookside tackled many issues that were considered taboo at the time, such as euthanasia, abortion, and mental illness. The show was praised for its realistic and gritty portrayal of working-class life in Liverpool. It was also known for its controversial storylines and shocking plot twists.

Brookside was a long-running and beloved soap opera that tackled difficult social issues and introduced audiences to a diverse cast of characters. It was a groundbreaking show that paved the way for other soaps to push boundaries and explore complex themes.