Jonathan Gordon-Davies

Last updated

Jonathan Gordon-Davies
Brookside character
Jonathan Gordon-Davies.jpg
Portrayed bySteven Pinner
Duration1987–1990
First appearance6 April 1987
Last appearance31 October 1990
Classification Former; regular
In-universe information
OccupationSolicitor
FatherArthur Gordon-Davies
MotherHelen Gordon-Davies
Wife Laura Wright (1987–1988)
Helen Massey (offscreen)

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 (Jane Cunliffe). 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 (Amanda Burton). 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 (Arthur Kelly). 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.

Contents

He gained housemates and friends when Terry Sullivan (Brian Regan) and later Sue Harper (Annie Miles) move in with him. Jennifer Calvert was introduced as Jonathan's new love interest, Canadian national Cheryl Boyanowsky. Producers spared no expense at creating an international love affair between the two. They filmed their first meeting in Austria, on-screen depicted as a skiing trip. Cheryl later visits Jonathan in Liverpool before returning to Canada. Producers then ordered production to commence in the Canadian city Vancouver to further develop their romance. Pinner enjoyed portraying Jonathan's travels and Cheryl returns to England to live with Jonathan. However, writers marred their romance with tension caused by their housemates Sue and Terry. Their relationship culminated following Calvert's departure and by 1990, Jonathan was portrayed as restless in his life. The character's final stories included Terry accusing him of having an affair with Sue and selling his solicitors partnership. Pinner made his departure from the series in October 1990 and Jonathan moves to London with his new lover Helen Massey (Colette Stevenson).

Casting

Pinner joined the cast of Brookside in 1987. He was introduced alongside Jane Cunliffe who plays his fiancée Laura Wright and they debuted on-screen during episodes broadcast April 1987. [1] [2] Pinner received the role after a prolonged period of unemployment. Not working caused him to become depressed and he moved to back in with his parents in Bournemouth. After a few weeks of being home, Pinner secured the role of Jonathan. It was his first significant television role and one Pinner credited as being therapeutic. He told Mike Hrano of TVTimes that when he needed it the most, "Brookside rescued me, not only in a professional sense but also on a personal level." [3]

Development

Characterisation and marriage

Brookside creator Phil Redmond (pictured) characterised Jonathan as a solicitor, attracted to the profession's social status and an appealing salary. Phil Redmond.jpg
Brookside creator Phil Redmond (pictured) characterised Jonathan as a solicitor, attracted to the profession's social status and an appealing salary.

Jonathan is characterised as an upper class male, working as a solicitor. [4] Jonathan is an enterprising person, he is emphatic and aware. Pinner relished the role and learned from his character but also believed his own experiences could further develop Jonathan's persona. [3] He told Hrano from TVTimes that "when you play any new character, some of what comes out of that person you keep yourself. Jonathan is a lot sharper than I was, and in that sense he has been a help to me. But I believe he can learn something from me too." [3] In the book, Brookside: The Official Companion, the show's creator Phil Redmond described Jonathan "attracted to the profession by its social status and appealing salary". [4] Upon his arrival, he works for an "established and highly respectable practice" in Liverpool. [4] In his backstory, Jonathan is detailed as coming from a wealthy family. [5] He was educated at a public school and qualified as a solicitor a two years prior to his arrival on Brookside Close. [4] Jonathan is originally from London and he attended Liverpool University, where he met Laura. [5] [4] Redmond stated that Jonathan is "devoted" to Laura. [4] Despite his devotion to her, Jonathan was unsure about remaining in Liverpool and wanted to return to London. [5] He also described them as "young achievers who like their Volvo 340 are safe, solid and reliable." [6]

Like Jonathan, Laura is portrayed as a "yuppie" and a solicitor, but she is from a working class background. [7] Redmond stated that unlike Jonathan, Laura has a greater social conscience. He added "it is at this point that her ideals begin to differ from those Jonathan abides by." [7] When they are introduced into the series, writers moved them into number 9 Brookside Close. The house was previously occupied by a similar character, Heather Haversham (Amanda Burton). [2] Writers used the pair's wedding preparations to create tension between the couple. Jonathan was eager to finish decorating their new home and a hand injury delayed his plans. Jonathan dreaded Laura's interfering father Geoff Wright (Arthur Kelly) noticing their unfinished home and taking over. [5] He also disliked Laura's sister Joanne Wright (Carleen Lumdon) being around their house too often and he begins to bemoan the Wright family. The two were often portrayed arguing, but unlike other Brookside characters who would resort to obscene behaviour and language, their bickering was more sarcastic and civilised. [5] When Jonathan drives their car into a large pothole on Brookside Close, Laura questions whether they have made a mistake moving into the area. She moved out temporarily to concentrate on a legal case and postpones their wedding. Jonathan becomes annoyed with Laura prioritising her work over their relationship. Jonathan and Geoff finish decorating the house and a new wedding date is set. [8] Writers quickly developed their relationship and the two characters were married just months after their introduction. [9] Producers also used their wedding to celebrate the show's 500th episode, which was broadcast on 11 August 1987. [10] Jonathan gave Laura an unusual wedding gift when he presented her with a forty-foot inflatable gorilla. [8]

Producers decided to kill Laura off after she had only been in the series for months. The story began when Laura's parents Geoff and Dorothy (Jacqueline Morgan) continue to interfere offering home improvements to Jonathan's home. [8] Geoff decides to attempt to repair a faulty light switch in their bathroom. Laura later switches the light on and is electrocuted. The force of the electric shock sends Laura tumbling down the stairs. [8] Jonathan later returns home and finds Laura unconscious and slumped behind the front door. [11] She is hospitalised and remains in a coma for three months. [8] [11] Jonathan resides himself to the fact Laura will not regain consciousness. His attitude causes a rift with Geoff and Dorothy, who fume at him when he allows Terry Sullivan (Brian Regan) to move in. They accuse Jonathan of giving up on their daughter and Geoff begins blaming other people for causing Laura's accident. [8] Jonathan realises that Geoff caused the accident after he receives an electric shock from the faulty light switch. [11] He refrains from revealing to truth to spare him the guilt. [8] In episodes airing in January 1988, doctors declare Laura as braindead and they remove her life support. At the inquest into her death, Jonathan lies about Geoff's involvement to spare him any more suffering. [8] Pinner enjoyed filming the scenes with Cunliffe, which were set in an actual hospital intensive care ward. Discussing Jonathan and Laura's time on the show, Pinner told Nick Fisher from TV Guide that "as an actor, the build up to the wedding was best. And also the coma stuff, although I think it went on too long. It was all shot in intensive care, which was a bit heavy." [12]

Relationship with Cheryl Boyanowsky

Scenes for Jonathan and Cheryl's romance were filmed on location in Vancouver, Canada. (pictured) Canada Place with Downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Masson.jpg
Scenes for Jonathan and Cheryl's romance were filmed on location in Vancouver, Canada. (pictured)

In 1988, producers expanded the character's development. They created a new love interest for him and ordered location filming to accommodate it. Unlike other soap operas, Brookside would film in different countries if a character went on holiday. The first was when Jonathan and Terry go on a skiing holiday actually filmed in Austria. [13] There they meet Donna Gibson (Dianne Michaels) and her friend Cheryl Boyanowsky (Jennifer Calvert), who are both from Canada. [8] Jonathan spends the beginning of their trip upset about Laura. He begins spending time with Cheryl, who cheers him up because she is a good listener. After their holiday ends, Cheryl and Donna come to stay with Jonathan and Terry which causes conflict with other characters. [8] Sue Harper (Annie Miles) becomes jealous of Donna and Terry spending time together. Then Geoff is angry that two women are staying with Jonathan and Geoff accuses him of causing Laura's death. Terry intervenes and stops Jonathan telling Geoff the truth about the faulty switch. [8]

The next phase of Jonathan's development with Cheryl resulted in larger location shoot in Vancouver, Canada. The story plays out on-screen as follows: When Cheryl leaves, Jonathan realises that he misses her and travels to Vancouver to find her. He locates her at a university where he learns that Cheryl is due to marry Professor Benwall Deburau (Jackson Davies). [8] Jonathan refuses to accept that she will marry Deburau and recalls her interest in studying at the Manchester Business School. Jonathan then interrupts Cheryl's wedding rehearsal and convinces her to break up with Deburau and begin a relationship with him instead. [8] Producing and filming episodes of Brookside in Vancouver was a large scale operation for the show. The show's creator and executive producer Phil Redmond accompanied the cast and crew during filming. Filming usually took place in Liverpool during the hours of 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM but in Canada, they extended the working hours. [14] The cast and crew made their Canadian base at the Pan Pacific hotel in Canada Place. [3] Filming also took place during Vancouver's hottest day of the year. [14] Actress Jennifer Calvert is originally from Canada and filming in the country meant that she was reunited with her family after eighteen months. Calvert's mother, father, grandfather and husband were all allowed to observe filming. [14]

In one scene Jonathan and Cheryl are depicted relaxing with a meal at a waterside location. The cast and crew took a forty minute ferry ride to Gibsons. [14] Redmond arrived by air travel and checked upon the production progress. There he told Hrano (TVTimes) that he was worried about the finalised product. Brookside had previously filmed episodes on the Caribbean island Barbados and viewers had incorrectly accused the show of filming in Stockport. [14] He told Hrano that "all I'm worried about is that the crew don't make this place look like Stoke [...] hopefully, people will realise this time we didn't build the Rockies especially for Brookside." [14] Another significant scene was filmed on a Vancouver beach and Pinner and Calvert were required to enter the Salish Sea. Directors ordered the scene to be a passionate kiss in the sea. [3] The "snog" was a statement to viewers that the characters had begun a serious relationship. Calvert enjoyed filming in Canada with Pinner. She told Hrano that "it's a bit like a dream. Steven is so great to work with. We really enjoy each other's company." [3] Pinner later told Nick Fisher from TV Guide that filming in Canada was "the most exciting time". [12]

On-screen, Jonathan returns to Liverpool and Cheryl later moves in with him and she is accepted into the business school. [8] Jonathan continues to share his home with Cheryl, Terry and Sue. Despite this, Laura's presence is still felt. Jonathan faces the prospect of losing Cheryl their Christmas tree catches fire and Terry and Cheryl are trapped and pass out from smoke inhalation. They survive and Cheryl urges Jonathan to redecorate their home to forget about Laura. [15] The house fire accident was written with similar circumstances to the accident that had previously killed Laura. Jonathan was not home to protect his lover and both women had been using the bathroom. [16] Writers used Sue and Terry to create conflict between conflict between Cheryl and Jonathan. Sue gets pregnant with Martin Howes' (Andrew Hall) baby, Cheryl learns the truth but agrees to keep her secret. Jonathan notices tension between the pair and guesses that Martin is the father. [15] He tells Cheryl that she must tell Terry. The tension causes Cheryl to issue him an ultimatum, either they move out or she will break up with him. He agrees and offers to rent his home out to Terry and Sue so he can rent a flat with Cheryl. When Jonathan fails to show up for a flat viewing because of work, Cheryl packs her belongings and flees to Canada. [17] Jonathan blames Sue for Cheryl's departure and threatens to reveal her secrets. Cheryl arranges for her items to be sent to her. Jonathan notices that the removal firm use an address in Manchester and he tracks her down. Jonathan convinces Cheryl to reconcile but Calvert was due to leave Brookside. [17] In the episodes prior to her departure, Jonathan becomes reflective over Sue and Terry's wedding and realises he wants the same with Cheryl. He asks her to marry him and declared that he wanted to start a family with her, Cheryl refuses and breaks up with him for good. [17]

Departure

Pinner left the series in 1990. [1] In the build up to his departure, Jonathan decides to sell number nine and Terry accuses him of breaking his promise, reminding him that he saved Cheryl's life during the house fire. Jonathan insists he needs the funds to buy Sarah Townes' (Julianne White) half of their business and goes into partnership with Viv Slater (Hilary Drake). [17] Producers also decided to ruin Jonathan's friendship with Terry and reveal Sue's secrets. Doctors tell Terry he is unable to father children and he realises that he is not Danny's father. Barry Grant (Paul Usher) convinces Terry that Jonathan must be Danny's biological father and Terry attacks his friend. [17] Jonathan is forced to tell Terry that Sue had an affair with Martin and he is the actual father. Jonathan decides to disband his partnership with Viv and he meets Helen Massey (Colette Stevenson) when he goes for an interview with a Japanese law firm. He agrees to sell his house to Terry and Sue before leaving to live in London with Helen. [17] In the 1994 book, Phil Redmond's Brookside - Life in the Close, it was revealed that Jonathan was still living in London. It was also detailed that Jonathan and Helen had married off-screen and had two children together. [18]

Reception

Mike Hrano from TVTimes branded Jonathan a "decisive go-getter" type of character. [3] Jonathan assumed the role as one of the soap opera's first leading males to be given the "heart-throb" moniker. Pinner found being referred this as embarrassing. Discussing this, Pinner told Hrano that "there are hundreds of good-looking guys out there, but because my character is on the TV and comes into people's homes, it puts me in the spotlight. That's all it is." [3] In the book Phil Redmond's Brookside - Life in the Close, author Geoff Tibballs stated that Jonathan was "born to sulk". [5] He added that Jonathan and Laura "niggled at each other constantly" and quipped that the money minded pairing would "charge double time if the argument extended outside office hours." [5] Profiling the house fire and electrocution accidents, Tiballs quipped that Jonathan "had an unfortuante habit of never being in the house when he was needed." [16]

Lorna Hughes from the Manchester Evening News included Laura's death and Jonathan moving on with Cheryl in their forgotten Brookside storylines feature. Of the characters she stated "Jonathan Gordon-Davies and wife Laura were Brookside's resident young professional couple in the late 80s." [19] In April 1993, writers of Inside Soap featured Laura's death and Jonathan's grief in their readers' "favourite soap memory" write up, which also praised Pinner's portrayal of Jonathan. [20] In May 1996, Inside Soap reporters included Laura's death in their "golden moment in soap" feature. Of Jonathan and Laura, they stated that "before the arrival of the Farnhams, the Gordon-Davies held the title of resident yuppies." [21] They added that their arrival shocked the other residents of Brookside Close and described their house as a "posh pad with sponged walls and cane furniture." [21] Another journalist from the magazine branded Jonathan and Laura "another yuppie couple" and opined that their relationship was "just as doomed" as Heather's romances were. [22] A writer from Soap branded Jonathan a luckless character whose life was ruined by moving to Brookside Close. They added that "he understandably left the district." [23] Francesca Babb from All About Soap included Laura's death and Jonathan becoming widowed in their "most memorable moments" of Brookside feature. She added that the couple's "happiness wasn't to be" and Johnathan "faced a future alone". [24]

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.

Michael "Mick" Johnson is a fictional character from the British soap opera Brookside, played by Louis Emerick. The character made his first appearance during the episode airing on 12 April 1989. He made his final appearance on 22 August 2001.

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.

<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 and their two children Tracy and Rod. 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">Diana Corkhill</span> Fictional character from Brookside

Diana Corkhill 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 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, who disapproves of her relationship with Rod. Writers made their relationship fraught with arguments because of his police career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heather Haversham</span> Fictional character

Heather Haversham is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Amanda Burton. Heather is one of the show's original characters and debuted on-screen during the first episode broadcast on 2 November 1982. Heather and her husband, Roger Huntington assume the roles of the show's young professional characters. Portrayed as yuppies, they work in accountancy and prioritise their careers over anything else. Writers characterised Heather ambitious and studious, determined to be a successful accountant. Another theme writers often used in developing Heather was heartbreak via her numerous failed romances. She transformed into an unlucky-in-love character with a failed marriage to Roger and hopeless relationships with Stuart Griffiths, Don Summerhill and Tom Curzon.

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">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.

Bobby Grant (<i>Brookside</i>) Fictional character in the soap opera Brookside

Bobby Grant is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Ricky Tomlinson. One of the show's original characters, Bobby debuted on-screen during the show's first episode broadcast on 2 November 1982. Tomlinson attended a series of auditions in Liverpool after being invited by his friend Tony Scoggo. Various actors were invited back and auditioned in different groups to observe who worked well together. Bobby was cast by show creator and executive producer Phil Redmond and production team member Janet Goddard. The latter expressed her interest in Redmond meeting Tomlinson, as she believed him best suited to the role aesthetically. Tomlinson performed an improvised monologue in front of them to secure the role.

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Petra Taylor</span> Soap opera character

Petra Mary Taylor is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Alexandra Pigg. One of the show's original characters, Petra debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 23 November 1982. Brookside is set in Liverpool and Pigg is a Liverpudlian from Knotty Ash. Her casting was announced on 5 October 1982 and she spoke optimistically about joining the show. Petra is characterised as a moody typist working at an insurance office. Petra is introduced into the series alongside her husband Gavin Taylor. The Taylor's problematic marriage causes Petra's moodiness and writers scripted her transformation into a tragic character.

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roger Huntington</span> Fictional character in the soap opera Brookside

Roger Huntington is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Rob Spendlove. One of the show's original characters, Roger debuted on-screen during the show's first episode broadcast on 2 November 1982. Roger is characterised as an ambitious solicitor who thinks highly of himself. He is a fitness enthusiast with an interest in DIY home improvements. These traits make him a comical figure and source of laughter for the show's other characters. His main storylines are centric to his marriage to Heather Haversham. Together they set up a home on Brookside Close and maintain careers to ascend the British social class hierarchy system. Writers portrayed an unhappy marriage between the two, depicting them constantly arguing.

References

  1. 1 2 Kibble-White 2002, p.155.
  2. 1 2 Tibballs 1995, p.134.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Hrano, Mike (27 August – 2 September 1988). "With the Brookside lovers in Vancouver". TVTimes . 132 (35). (Independent Television Publications): 77.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Redmond 1987, p.97.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Tibballs 1994, p.69.
  6. ↑ Redmond 1987, p.67.
  7. 1 2 Redmond 1987, p.90.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Tibballs 1994, p.72.
  9. ↑ Tibballs 1992, p.104.
  10. ↑ "Fotomax Vintage photo of Steven Pinner and Jane Cunliffe". Amazon.co.uk . 9 April 2019. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  11. 1 2 3 Tibballs 1994, p.71.
  12. 1 2 Fisher, Nick (1 July 1989). "Remember when?". TV Guide (15). (Murdoch Magazines): 8.
  13. ↑ Tibballs 1992, p.18.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Hrano, Mike (27 August – 2 September 1988). "Brookside in Canada". TVTimes . 132 (35). (Independent Television Publications): 4–5.
  15. 1 2 Tibballs 1994, p.73.
  16. 1 2 Tibballs 1994, p.75.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Tibballs 1994, p.76.
  18. ↑ Tibballs 1994, p.108.
  19. ↑ Hughes, Lorna (25 January 2020). "Brookside: The 29 storylines you've probably forgotten". Manchester Evening News . (Reach plc). Archived from the original on 26 November 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  20. ↑ "Your favourite soap memory". Inside Soap (8). (Attic Futura UK Ltd): 66. April 1993.
  21. 1 2 "Golden moment in soap - Crossed wires!". Inside Soap (49). (Attic Futura UK Ltd): 61. 18–31 May 1996.
  22. ↑ "Close encounters". Inside Soap (4). (Attic Futura UK Ltd): 26, 27. December 1992.
  23. ↑ "What happened next?". Soap. 1 (4). (Northern & Shell): 20. 1994.
  24. ↑ Babb, Francesca (November 2000). "Brookside comes of age!". All About Soap . No. 14. (Attic Futura UK Ltd). p. 41.
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.