Diana Corkhill

Last updated

Diana Corkhill
Brookside character
Diana Corkhill.jpg
Portrayed byPaula Frances
Duration1990–1993
First appearance19 November 1990
Last appearance12 March 1993
Classification Former; regular
Introduced by Mal Young
In-universe information
Other namesDiana Spence
OccupationPharmacy assistant
FatherFreddie Spence
Husband Rod Corkhill (1992–93)

Diana Corkhill (also Spence) is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside , played by Paula Frances. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 19 November 1990. Diana was introduced as a love interest of the established character, Rod Corkhill (Jason Hope) and it was Frances' first television role. Diana is characterised as a kindly soul who is desperate to overcome hardships. Diana works as a sales assistant at a chemist but is hiding a secret about her education. She is the daughter of Freddie Spence (Peter Corey), who disapproves of her relationship with Rod. Writers made their relationship fraught with arguments because of his police career.

Contents

Diana does not believe Rod is safe working as an undercover police officer. In one storyline, Diana is jilted on her wedding day because Rod is beaten up and hospitalised by a criminal. Their second attempt at marriage is successful. Writers continued to create problems and Rod is attacked with a knife. Diana forces her husband to quit the police force and change his occupation. Producers entrusted Frances to portray two divisive and controversial stories. The first explored adult learning as Diana reveals she is illiterate. Viewers complained about the story's plausibility because Diana had managed to secure a good job. Brookside's executive producer Mal Young defended Diana, stating that the point of the story was to show Diana could still succeed in life. The other storyline profiled the social issue of date rape. When Diana and Rod's marriage ends, Diana seeks comfort from her good friend Peter Harrison (Robert Beck). He misunderstands Diana's intentions and sexually assaults her. Writers played Peter genuinely believing in his innocence. Diana was adamant that she refused consent and reported Peter to the police. Peter was charged and put on trial for sexual assault and he was later found not guilty. Writers filmed two alternate endings and the cast were initially unaware of the outcome. The date rape story received a divided response from viewers and critics. Frances made her final appearance as Diana in the episode broadcast on 12 March 1993.

Development

Casting and characterisation

Frances joined the cast of Brookside in 1990 and she made her first appearance that year. [1] [2] Diana was Frances' debut television role having previously following her graduation from the Liverpool Theatre School. [3] When Diana first appeared on-screen, a television journalist used their newspaper column to discuss Frances' breast size and branded her a "heaving bosom". [4] An upset Frances complained to the Brookside wardrobe department and told them about her insecurities. They were sympathetic and decided to change Diana's costumes to make them flattering and pledged to use different camera angles while filming. Frances remained unhappy and would often cry onset. [4] On one occasion, a director insulted Frances and accused her of "acting from the neck up". Frances claimed that the director informed her that he had previously worked with actors insecure about their nose size, but Frances should not try and conceal her figure onset. The incident made Frances cry and she later had a breast reduction on the NHS. [4]

Diana is the daughter of Freddie Spence (Peter Corey), her mother had an affair with a police officer and abandoned her family. [5] Diana is characterised as a "kindly soul" and very forgiving of her loved ones. She has courage and determination to overcome hardships she faces in life. [6] In his book, The Who's Who of Soap Operas, author Anthony Hayward described Diana as "gullible and longing to find a husband". [7] When Diana was introduced into the series she portrayed as a sales assistant at a chemist, specifically working behind a perfume counter. [7] In the book, Phil Redmond's Brookside - Life in the Close, author Geoff Tibballs described Diana as a "pleasant girl" who is illiterate and "slow on the uptake". [5] Throughout her tenure, writers portrayed Diana gaining a newfound confidence and becoming less reliant on men. [5]

Relationship with Rod Corkhill

Producers introduced Diana as a new love interest for the established character Rod Corkhill (Jason Hope). They meet when Diana goes to her local supermarket and meets Rod where he poses as a trainee manager. [7] Rod is actually a police officer posted at the supermarket, working under cover. He cannot tell Diana his true profession but asks her out on a date. They begin dating and Diana's father, Freddie, is delighted that his daughter has found a boyfriend with a career in management. [7] As they spend more time together, Rod decides to reveal that he is a police officer. Hayward assessed that Diana is "furious" and "hurt" that Rod has lied to her. They break up for a short time before entering a serious relationship. [7]

Diana and Rod become engaged and they set a date for their wedding in December 1991. Writers decided to make their relationship problematic and for the characters to have a failed wedding day. [5] Rod's career in the police force unsettled Diana because of the danger it posed to him. Part of Rod's role in the force is working undercover. As their wedding approaches, Rod investigates a male prostitution ring. He focuses on Craig (Paul McNulty), a young prostitute whom he wants to free and arrest the pimp. Rod is then ordered to abandon the investigation. On the day of his wedding, Rod disobeys his orders and tracks down Craig. Rod follows Craig into the toilets at Liverpool Lime Street railway station where his pimp is waiting and Rod is beaten up. [5] His injuries cause Rod to miss his wedding as he is taken to hospital. Diana breaks up with Rod and he is suspended from the police force. [5] Hope defended Rod jilting Diana because of his job responsibilities. He told Tibballs that Rod has a "strong social conscience" and "he put the problems of Craig the rent boy before his own wedding day." [8] As the story progressed, Rod is reinstated and he and Diana reconcile, eventually setting a new wedding date in July 1992. [5]

Diana and Rod this time opt for a quiet wedding ceremony at a registry office. They attempt to keep it a secret but Rod's grandmother, Julia Brogan (Gladys Ambrose) tells Rod's uncle Jimmy (Dean Sullivan) and aunt Jackie Corkhill (Sue Jenkins). Together they organise a surprise wedding party for Diana and Rod. [9] Frances told a reporter from TVTimes that "for once Julia's big mouth turns out to be a blessing!" [9] Frances explained that the ceremony was intentionally different to their cancelled wedding. It was supposed to be a "white wedding" with traditional attire and horses and carriages. Frances explained that Diana and Rod "didn't want to tempt fate, so they planned a short simple one instead." [9] The wedding was filmed in a conference room inside the studio at Mersey TV. Frances was "relieved" to become an official member of the Corkhill family. She added that Diana "is very conventional and marriage is something she's always wanted. She is a home-maker and really loves Rod. I think they will be very happy together." [9] This time Diana and Rod's marriage is successfully with their family in attendance. [9]

Writers had different plans for the couple and hindered their married life with arguments caused by Rod's career. [5] Hope knew that their marriage would be turbulent. He told Tibballs that "So, now he just wants the steady lifestyle, which is what he thinks he's got with Diana. But he's got a nasty shock in store." [10] Diana is shocked when Rod takes part in a raid at the hair salon on Brookside Parade. Rod is slashed with a knife and the ordeal prompts Diana to force Rod to quit the police force. To appease her, Rod secures a new job as a security guard in Warrington. [5] Diana's new found confidence and her friendship with Peter Harrison (Robert Beck) cause yet more problems for the pair. [11] During another argument, Rod loses control of his anger and slaps Diana in the face and subsequently moves out. As the pair break up, Rod puts the Corkhill's home up for sale and Diana moves in with the Farnham family. [11]

Illiteracy

Producers created a divisive storyline for Diana, exploring the issue of adult illiteracy. [6] Diana excels at hiding her illiteracy to the extent that her police officer boyfriend fails to notice it. [5] Frances told Geoff Tibballs, author of Brookside - The First Ten Years, that the illiteracy story showed the difficulties people face completing daily tasks. She noted that illiterate people find it hard to read assembly instructions and fill out forms, and that made her realise the severity of the issue. [6] Frances portrayal of the subject received praise from viewers. She told Tibballs that she received positive fan mail thanking her. She explained that "It made people feel that they're not on their own, even at 20." [6] Frances liked the story because it helped viewers understand Diana better and "it explained why Diana always seemed a bit slow. But now that her confidence has grown, she's becoming more independent of Rod, particularly since they got married." [6]

Brookside's executive producer Mal Young told Tibballs that the story divided viewer opinion. He stated that Diana's illiteracy "threw up a lot of feedback from viewers". Many felt it implausible that Diana could be illiterate and have a good job. Young defended the character because illiterate people are good at hiding it. He added "that was the whole point. She had a career, she worked in a pharmacy, and she got through life." [12] In addition pharmacies wrote to the producers to complain that Diana worked in a pharmacy. They felt it portrayed their profession in a negative way because pharmacists need to be accurate when dealing with patient prescriptions. Young had been careful to ensure that Diana only shown working on the make-up counter rather than the medical side of the chemists. [12] Adult education groups praised the soap opera for its portrayal and "taking illiteracy seriously". To coincide with the story, Brookside participated in the Adult Learners' Week campaign, which was an organised effort to promote adult participation in learning. [12] [13] On-screen, writers remained committed to solving Diana's illiteracy and portrayed her attending learning classes. [5]

Date rape and departure

"It is a horrific situation, she thought he was her friend, and then he took advantage of her. But she felt she couldn't tell anyone what had happened because they had been friends and it would look as if she had led him on." [14]

—Frances on Diana's date rape ordeal. (1992)

Producers created a controversial storyline for Diana exploring the issue of date rape. The story plays out after Diana has an argument with Rod and she spends time with her friend Peter at his a party in at Farnham residence. Peter invites Diana into a bedroom at the party where they share drinks and he comforts her. [15] Peter then admits he has romantic feelings for Diana and sexually assaults her. [16] Frances told Linda Hawkins from ME magazine that the story is realistic. She explained that women like Diana are tempted to remain silent in the situation because blame themselves for willingly entering a man's home to begin with. [16] Frances found it difficult to portray the issue. She told Hawkins that "the problem with this role was to imagine Diana's feelings, when I have never been a victim. I could only imagine her vulnerability because, frankly, everyone in my family knows how to look after themselves." [16] To help portray the story, Frances recalled a time when she auditioned for an equity card. She had to dance in a revealing costume in front of men and noticed them staring at her. Frances had that experience firmly on her mind when filming, which conveyed Diana's realisation of Peter's true intentions. [16] Beck told Hawkins that the storyline was realistic and relevant to issues existing in society, where men have casual and comedic views on sex and consent. He added "with an attitude like that you can see how easily date rape can occur." [16]

Diana is shocked that her friend would rape her and fears that her friends will think she is a liar. Frances told Inside Soap's Renee Shaw that it is a "horrific situation" for Diana. [14] She believed that Peter was her trusted friend, but "he took advantage of her." Diana fears that everyone will think she led Peter on because of their friendship and tried to remain quiet. [14] Frances researched the issue thoroughly and was shocked to learn that a high percentage of rapists are already known to their victims. She told Shaw that the fact "amazed" her and learning that this date rape scenario was a common occurrence made her more cautious. Frances also hoped that Diana's story would help rape victims come to terms with their ordeals. She added that the story showed that no man has the right to override a woman's decision when she declines sex. [14]

Diana decides to go to the police and report Peter for raping her. He is arrested, charged with sexual assault and a date is set to take the case to court. Beck told an Inside Soap journalist that Peter does not believe he raped Diana, despite her saying no. [17] Beck explained that "Peter doesn't think of himself as a rapist, and so he is very confused by the accusations that he raped Diana against her will." [17] The story was divisive among viewers and Beck believed that Peter had gained viewers' support because Peter genuinely believes he did not rape Diana. He added "he has a kind of naivety about him which stops him from being hated." [17] Beck was unaware that his character would become a rapist when he joined the cast. Beck was "perturbed" when he read the script and producers warned him that he may receive abuse from the viewing public. However, Beck was shocked that some viewers believed "Diana asked for it and lead him on, but I just don't agree. If he got his signals mixed up, that's his problem, not hers." [17] Beck added that Diana telling Peter 'no' once was enough and he should have respected her more. [17]

Writers decided to add suspense to the court case and keep the outcome a secret from the cast members involved in the story. They also ordered that two alternate endings to the trial be filmed, one with a guilty verdict and the other an innocent verdict. [17] Writers also chose the characters involved in portraying the issue to be already acquainted. Beck described the case as not being a "cut and-dry situation". [17] Beck thought it was important that Peter was punished for his treatment of Diana. She and Peter were friends, to which Beck assessed that "it isn't as if he was a total stranger who attacked her in a dark alleyway - but having said that, what he did was wrong, and he shouldn't be allowed to get away scott free." [17]

Writers decided that the outcome of the trial should be a not guilty verdict. The scenes played out with Diana being unable to convince the jury of Peter's guilt. [11] Unlike Diana, Peter gained a witness willing to testify his innocence when the Farham's nanny Anna Wolska (Kazia Pelka). [15] Rod returns for the trial but when he hears the not guilty verdict, he accuses Diana of having an affair with Peter, ends their marriage and leaves once again. [11] Diana is unable to cope with the outcome and tries to commit suicide by cutting her wrists. Diana survives her ordeal and Peter tries to comfort her. She is outraged and tells Peter to leave her alone, informing him that whilst the jury did not find him guilty, she would always know he had raped her. [11] In the episodes leading to Frances' departure from Brookside, Diana secures a job at the bar La Luz. She is fired from the role after she is harassed by a group of men and retaliates by throwing a drink at them. [11] Diana then stopped appearing in the show, it was later revealed that she remained in Liverpool, living with her father, Freddie. [18] Peter remained in the series but writers continued to portray the issues that arise after an accusation of rape. Diana's uncle Jimmy continues to support Diana's version of events. He blames Peter for Diana leaving with her life in ruins and begins to harass him. [19] Beck told Donna Hay from What's on TV that "everyone's sympathies were with Diana. No one stopped to think that Peter might be emotionally scarred by it as well." [20]

Reception

Author Geoff Tibballs believed that Diana's illiteracy story was inspiring. He profiled Diana, stating that "she may never set the world alight with her contribution to nuclear physics but her courage and determination in overcoming illiteracy serve as an example to others." [6] A TVTimes writer assessed that Diana's marriage to Rod was problematic. They opined, "they've had more than their fair share of problems in the 18 months they've known each other [...] they have weathered a suspected pregnancy, Diana's illiteracy and a temporary split." [9] Referencing Diana's ditzy characterisation, Geoffrey Phillips from the Evening Standard branded her a "bubblehead blonde". [21]

Suzanne Moore from The Guardian was unsympathetic in regards to Diana's date rape ordeal. She scathed that "whatever the writers' intentions to dramatise the issues of date rape, I would guess that, for many viewers, this would have been the correct verdict. Maybe he went too far but then she did lie down with him." [22] Patrick Hill writing for the Daily Mirror branded the date rape plot a "controversial storyline". [23] In response to the date rape story, Linda Hawkins from Me stated that "Brookside has never fought shy of dramatising social problems [...] the circumstances and scenes are harrowing." [16] She also opined that "Diana has been an almost perpetual victim for the last two years. Paula's portrayal of Diana is compelling and thoroughly believable." [16] Renee Shaw of Inside Soap thought that Diana and Rod's relationship was "rocky to say the least" and her being raped left her "life in tatters". [14] A writer from Soap opined that she faced "trauma" and "Diana couldn't face the wagging tongues and accusing stares" so she left Brookside for good. [24] Writers from Inside Soap included Diana's date rape ordeal in their "Golden moment in soaps" feature. They questioned whether Peter was even guilty because he was Diana's "knight in shining armour" and Diana "had no reservations" about drinking with him. [15] Inside Soap ran a feature compiling "The 100 greatest soap stories ever told". They featured Diana's rape story as their 71st choice. [25] In the book Real Soap: Brookside, author Kay Nicholls branded the character "dippy Diana" and referred to her pursuit of justice against Peter as a "golden" storyline. [26]

Related Research Articles

<i>Brookside</i> (TV series) British television soap opera (1982–2003)

Brookside is a British television soap opera, set in Liverpool, England, which began on the launch night of Channel 4, 2 November 1982. It ran for 21 years until 4 November 2003. It was produced by Mersey Television and conceived by Grange Hill and Hollyoaks creator Phil Redmond.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barry Grant</span> Soap opera character

Barry Grant is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Paul Usher. The character debuted on-screen during the first episode of Brookside, broadcast on 2 November 1982. Barry is one of the show's original characters and the only character to appear in the first and final episodes of Brookside. Usher decided to leave Brookside in 1984, but returned the following year and remained a regular cast member until 1995. He then returned for guest stints in 1997 and 2003. Actor Joe McGann was originally cast as Barry, but when McGann failed to gain an actors equity card, producers decided to recast the role to Usher. Barry is characterised as a "hard man" and constant law breaker. Writers transformed Barry into Brookside's long-standing villainous character. Despite his hard man characterisation, Barry has a special relationship with his mother Sheila Grant. He would do anything to protect Sheila and to the extent that it created problems with his father Bobby Grant.

Frank Rogers is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Peter Christian. The character made his first on-screen appearance during the episode broadcast 1 December 1987 and remained in the show for an additional six years, being killed off in the episode aired on 5 November 1993.

Terry Sullivan (<i>Brookside</i>) Fictional character in the soap opera Brookside

Terry Sullivan is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Brian Regan. One of the show's original characters, Terry debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 17 November 1982. Regan appeared in the show between 1982 and 1997. At the time of his departure, Regan was Brookside's longest serving cast member. Terry became one of Brookside's most iconic characters and was recognisable via his trademark curly permed hair and moustache. Terry also became known as one of soap opera's most unlucky characters because of his numerous storylines involving trauma, loss and heart-break. Writers created an on-screen partnership between Terry and Barry Grant. Their friendship is endured for their entire tenure. Their characterisation was the inspiration for the comedy sketches titled The Scousers, which appeared in the television show, Harry Enfield's Television Programme.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Katie Rogers</span> Fictional character from Brookside

Katie Rogers is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Debbie Reynolds and Diane Burke. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 7 December 1987. Reynolds played the character until 1989 when Diane Burke took over the role and remained until 2003 when Brookside was cancelled. Katie was introduced as part of the Rogers family consisting of parents Frank and Chrissy Rogers and their three children Katie, Sammy and Geoff Rogers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Susannah Morrisey</span> Soap opera character

Susannah Morrisey is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Karen Drury. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 22 July 1991. Susannah was created as the ex-wife of established character Max Farnham and writers instantly used her to create problems in Max's marriage to Patricia Farnham. Susannah's feud with Patricia and desire to reunite with Max formed the basis of her early storylines. Susannah's initial characterisation was only that of a mean, disgruntled ex-spouse but Drury decided to play her more sweet and snobbish. Susannah's persona allowed writers the versatility to create both tragic and comedic stories for her. Susannah's tragedies were formed via her difficult marriage to Max, family bereavements and poor mental health. Writers later transformed her into a promiscuous and scheming woman which gained her infamy in the British press.

Mike Dixon (<i>Brookside</i>) Soap opera character

Michael "Mike" Dixon is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Paul Byatt. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 1 October 1990.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sammy Rogers</span> Fictional character in Brookside

Samantha 'Sammy' Rogers is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Rachael Lindsay. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 7 December 1987. Sammy was introduced as part of the Rogers family consisting of parents Frank and Chrissy Rogers and their three children Sammy, Katie Rogers and Geoff Rogers. Lindsay secured the role in 1987 after she learned that Brookside was auditioning for a new family. Lindsay knew someone already working on the show and they introduced her to his agent who helped secure the role. Sammy is originally characterised as a rebellious and headstrong teenager and animal rights enthusiast. Sammy is Brookside's wild child character who never accepts responsibility for her actions. Producers created a long-running relationship story with Owen Daniels. They begin a romance while at school and writers developed them into a married couple with a child.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billy Corkhill</span> Fictional character from British soap opera Brookside

Billy Corkhill is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by John McArdle. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 27 August 1985. Billy was introduced as part of the show's new family, the Corkhills, consisting of Billy, his wife Doreen Corkhill and their teenage children Rod and Tracy Corkhill. Billy is characterised as the reluctant husband of Doreen, an aspiring woman who wants the Corkhills to own their own home. Her mission to present a good image for the family is marred by her secret spending which gets the family into debt. Writers explored their debt issues throughout Billy's early tenure. They portrayed him as desperate to provide, tampering with the electricity and committing fraud with the help of his brother Jimmy Corkhill.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doreen Corkhill</span> Fictional character from Brookside

Doreen Corkhill is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Kate Fitzgerald. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 27 August 1985. Doreen was introduced as part of the new Corkhill family consisting of herself, husband Billy Corkhill and their two children Tracy and Rod Corkhill. Doreen was portrayed as the aspiring housewife who wants to buy her own home. Billy risks financial ruin to help Doreen get her ideal home on Brookside Close. She is characterised as competitive and wants to portray a positive family image to her neighbours. She is a shopaholic and over spender, a trait writers used to get the Corkhills into debt. Her behaviour causes her family many problems, Billy begins committing fraud and robberies to fund their lifestyle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Margaret Clemence</span> Fictional character from the British soap opera Brookside

Margaret Clemence is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Nicola Stephenson. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 14 September 1990. Margaret is characterised as a college drop-out unsure about her future. She leaves her home town of Oldham to escape her ex-boyfriend, Kieran, and relocates to Liverpool. She takes a job working as a nanny for Max and Patricia Farnham and becomes their lodger. Stephenson has described Margaret as a domestic and organised character but when it comes to romance she is confused and unstable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leanne Powell</span> Fictional character from Brookside

Leanne Powell is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Vickie Gates. The character debuted on-screen in the episode airing on 29 January 1992. Gates was sixteen when she joined the cast. Leanne is introduced into the series as a friend of Katie Rogers and is portrayed as bad influence on her friends. Brookside's executive producer Mal Young believed there was a need to include more teenage centric stories and created a peer pressure plot for the character. Leanne was portrayed as attempting to seduce Owen Daniels. Writers also explored the issue of teenage pregnancy with Leanne and her friend's mother, DD Dixon helps her arrange a termination in secret.

George Jackson (<i>Brookside</i>) Soap opera character

George Edward Jackson is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Cliff Howells. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 2 February 1983. George was introduced as the brother-in-law of established character Petra Taylor, following the death of her husband, Gavin Taylor. Writers soon introduced viewers to the remainder of The Jackson family, including his wife Marie Jackson, their sons Little George Jackson, Gary Jackson and his sister-in-law Michelle Jones. George, a firefighter, is portrayed as a easygoing and unassuming.

Paul Collins (<i>Brookside</i>) Soap opera character

Paul Collins is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Jim Wiggins. One of the show's original characters, Paul debuted during the episode broadcast on 2 November 1982. Wiggins was cast by Brookside creator Phil Redmond and Janet Goddard. Paul is introduced as the husband of Annabelle Collins and father to Gordon Collins and Lucy Collins. Paul is characterised as an unlucky character who has been made redundant from a lucrative management role. He is forced to move to a small house on Brookside Close and change his lifestyle. Writers made him appear as a product of a different generation and an ex-army officer who had a sense of discipline instilled in him. Wiggins has described Paul as "aloof" and "conservative", which made viewers unsympathetic to his plight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lindsey Corkhill</span> Fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside

Lindsey Corkhill is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Claire Sweeney. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 12 June 1991. Lindsey was originally a recurring character and was later promoted to the show's regular cast in 1995. After departing in 2001, she made additional appearances in 2002 and 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tracy Corkhill</span> Fictional character from British soap opera Brookside

Tracy Corkhill is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Justine Kerrigan. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 10 September 1985. Tracy was introduced as part of a new family, the Corkhills, which also includes her brother Rod Corkhill and their parents Doreen Corkhill and Billy Corkhill. Kerrigan had previously appeared as a guest character, Pat in 1984. She auditioned for the role after her grandfather and actor Peter Kerrigan encouraged her. Kerrigan was aged fourteen and still attending school when she took on the role. Tracy is characterised as brash and headstrong. She has aspirations of becoming a model but settles for a hairdressing career. Kerrigan disliked Tracy's style and early persona. Tracy transformed into a more adult character over time and Kerrigan admired her newfound attitude.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jonathan Gordon-Davies</span> Soap opera character

Jonathan Gordon-Davies is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Steven Pinner. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 6 April 1987. Pinner was cast in the series after a period of unemployment and he credited the role as being his saviour from depression. Jonathan is characterised as an upper class solicitor from a wealthy family in London. Writers created Jonathan alongside his fiancée Laura Wright. Together they represented the young urban professionals (yuppies) of 1980/1990s British society. The two characters move into number nine Brookside Close, the house previously occupied by similar upper class character Heather Haversham. Writers created a wedding story for them, which was broadcast on 11 August 1987 and commemorated the 500th episode of Brookside. Jonathan was portrayed at odds with his interfering father-in-law Geoff Wright. He would invite himself into Jonathan's home and perform DIY home improvements to Jonathan's chagrin. His faulty repair of a light switch causes Laura to electrocute herself and fall down some stairs. The story formed Cunliffe's departure from the series after less than one year on-screen. Laura was killed off in January 1988, but writers decided to develop Jonathan's character further.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sheila Grant</span> Fictional character from the British soap opera Brookside

Sheila Corkhill is a fictional character from British soap opera, Brookside played by Sue Johnston. Sheila appeared in Brookside from the first episode in 1982 until the character's departure in 1990. Her most famous storyline was in 1986, when the character was attacked, raped and beaten by an unknown assailant. Everyone was a suspect, including family friend Matty Nolan, and most residents of Brookside Close found themselves accused. It was later revealed that the taxi driver raped Sheila.

Alan Partridge (<i>Brookside</i>) Soap opera character

Cyril Alan Partridge is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Dicken Ashworth. Alan appeared in the series until 18 July 1984. Ashworth was happy with his casting because he had previously been typecast in villainous roles. Alan is characterised as a "friendly type" and Ashworth relished the opportunity to play him. Writers portrayed him vastly different to other characters in the show. Alan is "scatter-brained" and an eccentric who enjoys computers, rugby and keeps a boat on his driveway. Other characters in the series view Alan as odd and find it difficult to understand his personality. Writers gave Alan enthusiastic dialogue in scenes which made him appear different to everyone else in his stories.

Annabelle Collins (<i>Brookside</i>) Soap opera character

Annabelle Collins is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Doreen Sloane. One of the show's original characters, Annabelle debuted during the episode broadcast on 2 November 1982. Annabelle is characterised as an intelligent woman who is used to a luxurious lifestyle. She is married to Paul Collins and they move into Brookside Close during the show's first episode. The move is a downsize from a big house after Paul loses a lucrative management role. Annabelle struggles to adjust to her new lifestyle but eventually becomes active in her new community. She is portrayed as generous and neighbourly, but also displays characteristics of snobbery. Writers created a difficult marriage for Annabelle and Paul.

References

  1. ↑ Kibble-White 2002, p.154.
  2. ↑ Kibble-White 2002, p.68.
  3. ↑ Tibballs 1992, p.53.
  4. 1 2 3 Wallace, Susan (26 May 1993). "My breasts were the bane of my life ... says Brookside's Paula Frances". ME. (GE Magazines) (21): 28, 29.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Tibballs 1994, p.96.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Tibballs 1992, p.52.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Hayward 1991, p.24.
  8. ↑ Tibballs 1992, p.50.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Rod and Diana marry at last". TVTimes . (IPC Media). 146 (28): 29. 11–17 July 1992.
  10. ↑ Tibballs 1992, p.51.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Tibballs 1994, p.97.
  12. 1 2 3 Tibballs 1995, p.58.
  13. ↑ Tickett, Alan (11 May 1993). "Opportunities knock". The Guardian . (Guardian Media Group). p. 48. Retrieved 1 April 2021– via Newspapers.com. Lock-green.svg
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 Shaw, Renee (November 1992). "Diana's date rape ordeal". Inside Soap . (Attic Futura UK Ltd) (3): 40.
  15. 1 2 3 "Golden moment in soap - A guilty man?". Inside Soap . (Attic Futura UK Ltd) (60): 61. 19 October – 1 November 1996.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Hawkins, Linda (26 October 1992). "I can look after myself". ME. (GE Magazines) (44): 50, 51.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "If a girl says 'no' she means it! says Robert Beck". Inside Soap . (Attic Futura UK Ltd) (5): 34. January 1993.
  18. ↑ Tibballs 1994, p.108.
  19. ↑ "Haunted! By a crime he didn't commit!". Inside Soap . (Attic Futura UK Ltd) (14): 6. October 1993.
  20. ↑ Hay, Donna (21–27 August 1993). "The secret I must share". What's on TV . (IPC Magazines) (34): 6, 7.
  21. ↑ Phillips, Geoffrey (13 May 1994). "The dimbo returns". Evening Standard . p. 103. Retrieved 4 September 2021– via Newspapers.com. Lock-green.svg
  22. ↑ Moore, Suzanne (15 January 1993). "Date rape is one word too many". The Guardian . (Guardian Media Group). p. 31. Retrieved 1 April 2021– via Newspapers.com. Lock-green.svg
  23. ↑ Hill, Patrick (3 July 1999). "Return of the soap dish; Six years ago Robert Beck was a young heartthrob in Brookside but then he quit the show - and it almost cost him his career. He tells Patrick Hill about his remarkable comeback to star in Emmerdale". Daily Mirror . (Trinity Mirror via The Free Library). Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  24. ↑ "What happened next?". Soap. (Northern & Shell). 1 (4): 20–21. 1994.
  25. ↑ "The 100 greatest soap stories ever told". Inside Soap . (Attic Futura UK) (100): 10. 2–15 May 1998.
  26. ↑ Nicholls 1999, p.83.
Bibliography
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.