Margaret Clemence

Last updated

Margaret Clemence
Brookside character
Margaret Clemence.jpg
Portrayed by Nicola Stephenson
Duration1990–1994
First appearance14 September 1990
Last appearance6 April 1994
Classification Former; regular
In-universe information
OccupationNanny
MotherAnne Clemence
SistersJanet Clemence
AuntsMaureen

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 (Andrew Shakos), and relocates to Liverpool. She takes a job working as a nanny for Max (Steven Pinder) and Patricia Farnham (Gabrielle Glaister) 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.

Contents

Writers gave Stephenson a series of challenging storylines throughout her tenure, often involving taboo romances. In her first notable story, Margaret begins a relationship with a Catholic priest, Derek O'Farrell (Clive Moore). Their affair upsets various other characters, including Derek's sister, DD Dixon (Irene Marot), who attempts to sabotage their happiness. The two break up when Derek moves to work in Bosnia. The story prompted both complaints and praise from various religious and casual viewers. Undeterred by the controversy Margaret had already caused, Brookside creator Phil Redmond and executive producer Mal Young created another taboo romance. This time Margaret befriends Beth Jordache (Anna Friel) who develops romantic feelings and this culminates in a kiss. It was the first time a same-sex kiss between two females had aired pre-watershed in the United Kingdom. The story caused controversy, made television history and set a standard for other shows to follow. The scene has gained iconic status in LGBT culture and British television history. It also became one of Brookside's defining moments. Stephenson has labelled Margaret a heterosexual but her involvement with Beth caused her confusion. Stephenson left the series in 1994 and writers created yet more drama to facilitate her departure. Margaret has an affair with a married man, Carl Banks (Stephen Donald) but ultimately leaves for Bosnia to reunite with Derek.

Development

Casting and characterisation

Stephenson began playing the character in 1990. It was her first ongoing television role. Like her on-screen counter-part, Stephenson is from Oldham. [1] Margaret is a college drop-out who leaves her hometown of Oldham and moves to Liverpool. She takes a job as a nanny, working for Max (Steven Pinder) and Patricia Farnham (Gabrielle Glaister), minding their son Thomas. [2] Margaret viewed the job as a temporary solution to earn money while she decided what to do in the future. [2] One of her early stories featured Margaret getting into a disagreement with the Farnhams and she returns to Oldham. Margaret accuses Max and Patricia of taking advantage of her and they offer her a pay rise to stay. [2] Stephenson described Margaret as a not at all ambitious; she is a "homely girl, a family girl, and nothing would make her more happier than having loads of kids." She also branded her "very domestic and organised", which Stephenson hoped to learn from. [3] Margaret was introduced into the series when she was sixteen. Margaret falls in love easily and Stephenson said that due to her age "she's not in control of her emotions". [3]

In her backstory, Margaret has "always been keen on boys". Her decision to move to Liverpool was motivated by her need to escape her ex-boyfriend Kieran (Andrew Shakos). [4] He had wanted Margaret to get engaged and marry him but she was unwilling. Kieran was also "extremely physical" and made sexual advances, which left Margaret unsure about him. [4] In the book, Brookside – The First Ten Years, Stephenson told author Geoff Tibballs that Kieran "was always trying it on with Margaret and she wouldn't let him come near." [5] Another early story for Margaret was an attraction to Mike Dixon (Paul Byatt) but writers did not develop it into a romance. [5]

Relationship with Derek O'Farrell

Writers created a forbidden romance between Margaret and a priest, Derek O'Farrell (Clive Moore). [3] Derek was originally planned to appear in two episodes of Brookside. Producers extended Moore's contract after they saw the potential story between Margaret and Derek. [3] The story was controversial because Margaret was only eighteen and Derek was a Catholic priest. [6] [3] The story had never been portrayed in a British soap opera before. Stephenson was originally unaware that Margaret and Derek would get together. Producers did not inform Stephenson of their long-term story plan. Even though the storyline was believable, she was apprehensive of how the it would be received by viewers. She branded it "a really good issue to cover and one that's never been done before." [5] To prepare for the story, Stephenson researched real stories of priests having secret families. [3] On-screen the story begins in 1991, when Margaret meets Derek and they soon become friends. Derek is the younger brother of DD Dixon (Irene Marot). They bond when they dismantle a wall that Derek's brother-in-law Ron Dixon (Vince Earl) built on Brookside Close. Tibballs, author of Phil Redmond's Brookside – Life in the Close wrote that Margaret likes Derek's "warmth and honesty and besides she felt safe with him." [4] Margaret thought Derek was the one man who would not be interested in her romantically. She soon begins to develop romantic feelings for him and even travels miles to help him at his parish church. [4]

Derek is initially unaware of Margaret's feelings and believes she wants to help the church. He soon realises her true intentions and warns that their friendship is endangering his career. Father Thornton and DD become suspicious of Margaret and Derek's friendship. [4] Moore told Tibballs that it was a story about Derek "struggling mentally" with his feelings. He added that Derek "simply couldn't make up his mind. But then he realised that he had to face the truth – Margaret was more than a friend." [7] Her mother, Anne Clemence (Christine Moore) also discourages the romance. Margaret does not take any of their advice which results in DD becoming hostile towards her. DD is a "zealous Catholic" and warns Margaret to stay away from her brother. She becomes convinced that Derek will ruin his career and schemes to keep them apart. [4] Margaret confides in Patricia, who then allows the pair to have clandestine meetings in secret at the Farnham house. DD soon discovers their meetings and reports Derek to Father Thornton. Derek is posted to a new Parish in the Lake District and DD believes she has saved her brother. Margaret's mother antagonises her and subsequently she issues Derek with an ultimatum that he leave the church or lose her for good. [4] On-screen Derek quits his priesthood and he officially begins a relationship with Margaret. DD blames Margaret for seducing her brother. Stephenson defended her character and believed that Margaret and Derek were both to blame. She told Tibballs that "I used to feel very sorry for Derek because he didn't ask for this extremely naïve girl to fall in love with him. But then he didn't do much to discourage her in the early stages of their relationship either. He was awfully friendly towards Margaret, and became quite flirtatious during one episode when he came in for coffee and helped her dry the pots." [5]

Moore was wary about Margaret and Derek having a sexual relationship before marriage, given his religious views. He told Marsha Hanlon from TVTimes that "if you love somebody enough to give up everything, there's no way you should feel guilty about expressing that love." He added that Derek was initially apprehensive about having sex with Margaret, but "he's past that stage now". [3] They decide to have sex despite Margaret being left with Thomas in her care. Patricia arrives home and catches Margaret and Derek in bed together. She is furious that they neglected Thomas, who had fallen ill while left alone in his bedroom. [8] Stephenson could not defend her character's behaviour following the incident. She told Tibballs that "I'm afraid Margaret did rather neglect Thomas, so much so that she nearly got the sack." [1] Patricia agrees to keep Margaret on as Thomas's nanny, but Max grows tired of her unreliable behaviour. When Margaret and Derek take a spontaneous trip away, Max is angry and decides to give Margaret's nanny job to Anna Wolska (Kazia Pelka) instead. [8]

Margaret soon finds work as a nanny elsewhere and she agrees to marry Derek. They face more problems when they go public with their relationship and have to tell a hostile DD their plans. They also contend with Derek having no income, choosing to carry out voluntary work. Stephenson told Hanlon that Margaret feels guilty about Derek leaving his career. [3] She also believed that at eighteen, Margaret was too young for marriage. She explained that "he's given up his whole life for her. Now she has to fill that void for him and she feels their relationship has to work." [3] Stephenson described it as an "awful situation" to get into and opined that if she were Margaret, she would have told Derek to remain in the priesthood. [3] Moore wanted the characters to have a happy ending because "they've been through so much". Stephenson concluded that she wanted them to have a "happy ending". [3] Writers ended the story with the departure of Derek. With a lack of job prospects he decides to seek work Bosnia. [9] Margaret agrees to leave with Derek but changes her mind at the airport. Margaret ends their relationship and Derek leaves without her. [10]

Writers were concerned that the story would anger Catholics but the response was better than they had imagined. Brookside received complaints from Protestant viewers who were concerned that the affair was upsetting Catholics. [11] Young himself revealed that the Catholic response was more positive. He recalled that many Catholics wrote anonymous letters and thanked him for exploring a taboo subject, which they had witnessed in their own parishes. [11] Young himself was from a Catholic background and had a personal interest in the story. He told Geoff Tibballs, author of Brookside – The Early Years, that "people from my own parish were not slow to give me their criticisms of the story. We wanted to do the story sensitively – we didn't want Derek just dropping his trousers. I didn't want to shock just for the sake of it." [6] Young concluded that the positive response from Catholic news outlets could have caused hurt in the community, though he stressed that Moore gave a responsible portrayal to remain sensitive to viewers. [6] Stephenson has stated that she received letters urging Margaret and Derek to become a bona fide couple. The portrayal of priests as men with feelings was also well received. [5] Moore initially received letters insisting that such stories do not happen to real priests. [3]

Same-sex kiss

Another controversial story for Margaret was a same-sex kiss with Beth Jordache (Anna Friel). The storyline was devised by Brookside creator Phil Redmond and executive producer Mal Young. [11] Friel had impressed the producers with her strong acting performance and they decided to reward her with a challenging storyline. They decided that Beth would explore her sexuality and they chose Margaret to feature in her story. [11] Young told Tibballs that "Beth became the first lipstick lesbian and pairing her with Margaret worked because nobody would have expected it of Margaret, least of all Margaret herself." [11] Writers began to develop the storyline with the creation of a close friendship between the two characters. As they bond, Beth begins to develop romantic feelings for Margaret. During the show's Christmas episodes of 1993, Beth's feelings intensify. [12] Originally, Redmond was unsure about the storyline because it was then a taboo subject. Scriptwriter Shaun Duggan wrote the episodes featuring the kiss and those that preceded it. He wanted representation and was determined to get the story on television because he had recently come out. [13]

The kiss was broadcast during the episode broadcast on 14 January 1994. [14] The kiss lasted eight seconds, after which Beth jokes "well, neither of us has been struck by lightning yet." [15] Beth is upset that Margaret does not act on her advances. Writers chose to portray Margaret as confused by the kiss but they ultimately remain best friends. [12] Friel told Richard Arnold from Inside Soap that Beth was battling with self doubt and realised she really liked Margaret. They portrayed the kiss as a natural progression from this confusion. Friel added that "it's very scary for Margaret too because Beth is her best friend." [12] Stephenson believed that Margaret was heterosexual and just confused about Beth. [10] Friel said she was "terrible" during filming the scene because she kept laughing. She added that Stephenson managed to guide her through it with friendly advice. She concluded that the story was a positive addition to the show. [12]

Brookside soon received praise from Gay and Lesbian groups, who thought Margaret and Beth's story was a "positive and non-cliched portrayal of lesbians". [16] In the book, Phil Redmond's 20 Years of Brookside, author Graham Kibble-White stated that "lipstick lesbians" were more fashionable in the 1990s because of the characters. [16] Young expected to receive numerous complaints about the story. He was also wary that the LGBT community would be annoyed that two straight men were telling stories about lesbianism. [11] Young unexpectedly received letters from the gay community, praising them for their work. [11] Young recalled receiving a letter from a mother, concerned that Brookside was trying to teach girls how to be lesbian. Young recalled that it gave him validation that he made the correct decision to broadcast the issue and educate viewers. [11] He added "that's exactly why we did it – to overcome that sort of misconception." [11] Friel also denied suggestions that Brookside was trying to compete with the rival soap opera Emmerdale , in which one of their characters, Zoe Tate (Leah Bracknell), was a lesbian. [12]

Their kiss was watched by six million viewers. [17] The kiss was edited out of the show's omnibus edition, which aired the following Saturday. [16] While Brookside received numerous complaints about the kiss, more people complained about it being censored from the omnibus edition. [18] The broadcast of their kiss was a ground-breaking moment in the history of the British television industry. It was the first lesbian kiss to air pre-watershed in the country. [19] [20] It was also the first time two women had kissed on a British soap opera. They were not the first same sex couple to kiss on British television pre-watershed, as rival soap opera EastEnders had featured two males kissing five years prior. [21] It is often mistakenly cited as the first. [21] [22] [23] [24] The kiss has been described numerous times as an "iconic" television moment. [21] [17] [25] [26] Author Kibble-White detailed how the kiss had become an "iconic image" of not only Brookside, but of television drama in the 1990s. [27]

At the 2012 Summer Olympics, during the opening ceremony a montage of British heritage was created by film producer Danny Boyle. Margaret and Beth's kiss was included in the montage, which was broadcast all around the world. [20] [19] [28] It was broadcast live in seventy-six countries around the world where homosexuality is illegal. [29] It was the first time a lesbian kiss aired on television in Saudi Arabia. [30] American television network NBC faced accusations that they attempted to censor the kiss. [28] Channel 4 later released the kiss episode for online streaming via their website. [14]

Affair with Carl Banks and departure

Stephenson left the series in 1994, but prior to her departure writers created yet more controversy for her character. Margaret begins a sexual relationship with new character, Carl Banks (Stephen Donald). Their romance ends with the revelation that Carl is an army deserter with a wife, Sarah Banks (Andrea Marshall) and a daughter, Rebecca. [10] [31] When Beth begins a relationship with her college tutor Chris Myers (Marie Francis), Margaret becomes jealous of Chris. [32] Stephenson told an Inside Soap reporter that Margaret's affair with Carl happened because Beth had moved on. She revealed that "the fling with Carl was obviously to get back at Beth for going off with Chris but I think she's straight and that deep down she likes men." [10] With numerous love stories over her tenure, Margaret was portrayed as a confused woman unsure who to be with. Stephenson acknowledged that her character's confusion, adding that she is "not very stable". [10] Stephenson noted that Brookside's stories are usually long running, but Margaret changed her mind "all of a sudden" on numerous occasions. She concluded that "after everything that's happened to her it's like she's gone mad." [10] Off-screen, Donald received a negative response for the affair. He told Tibballs that "I got a fair bit of abuse from people on the streets for playing a scab and for when I was mucking around with Margaret." [31]

In her final story, producers decided to reunite Margaret with Derek. On-screen the story begins when Patricia suggests she contact Derek in Bosnia and reconcile. [10] [33] She later decides to leave Brookside Close. Stephenson believed that Derek was the safest choice for Margaret. The actress stated that Margaret has "been hurt and abused so much that Derek's the only security that Margaret has." [10] Stephenson revealed that viewers were still invested in Margaret and Derek's relationship. Of Margaret's departure, Stephenson concluded that "I get so much mail about them and I think fans are ready for a happy ending." [10] On her decision to leave, Stephenson told Marion McMullen from the Coventry Telegraph that "at 22, with no kids, no mortgage and money in the bank, what had I got to lose?" [34] Her final scenes aired in April 1994. [35] [36]

Reception

Despite the controversy surrounding Margaret having an affair with a Catholic priest, praise was given from Catholic news outlets for the realistic portrayal. [37] Marsha Hanlon from TVTimes said that "no one has ever accused Brookside of shying away from controversial subjects" but Margaret and Derek's "forbidden love affair" was a "shocking topic even for this daring soap." [3] Margaret and Derek were included in Inside Soap magazine's "greatest love stories ever told" feature. A reporter categorised it as an "affair to remember" and branded her the "flame-haired nanny Margaret". [38] An Inside Soap reporter opined that Margaret and Derek's relationship ended in "classic soap style" and that she had "lured" Derek away from his vows. [9] A reporter from the Evening Standard stated that Margaret's story with Derek was one of many Brookside stories concerning Catholicism, which were the "bedrock of the soap". [39] Of her romance with Carl, Geoffrey Phillips from the publication opined that "even by Brookside standards Margaret's latest experience of afterglow was short-lived. She has yet to learn that not every young man who says he enjoys the free and single life is free and single." [40] Due to Margaret's controversial romances, Lorna Hughes of the Manchester Evening News quipped that Margaret "cornered the market in shocking clinches." [41] A writer from Soaplife profiled Margaret, stating "Margaret Celemence came to Brookside as an innocent young nanny. But her liaisons in love were to become the talk of Brookie fans everywhere." [42] They added that the "lesbian kiss stunned a nation of TV viewers." [42]

In 1998, Inside Soap ran a feature compiling "The 100 greatest soap stories ever told". They featured Margaret and Beth's kiss as their 49th choice. [43] In the book Real Soap: Brookside, author Kay Nicholls wrote "who could forget 'that' kiss between Margaret Clemence and Beth Jordache?" She also called it a "scandal" and "another first for the fab soap". [44] Tilly Pearce of the Metro included the same-sex kiss in a feature of "landmark LGBT television moments". [21] The kiss was voted 59th in a Channel 4 poll regarding the greatest television moments of all time. [33] [45] Vicky Spavin of the Daily Record called it one of the show's "moments of glory". [46] Paddy Shennan underestimated the power of on-screen kisses because "everyone remembers" the kiss. [47] As part of popular culture, the scene has been recreated by presenters of Radio 1, including Chris Moyles and Dominic Byrne. [48] [49]

Stuart Jeffries from The Guardian stated that the same-sex kiss was "seen in 1994 by six million viewers, perhaps two of whom wrote to Channel 4 claiming this sweet, even diffident, snog transformed Merseyside into Sodom and Gomorrah." [17] Jeffries opined that the kiss "really gripped the nation" and branded it as "a beautiful retort to the institutionalised bigotry of the previous decade." [50] Jeffries concluded that it was an example of Brookside daring to tell the stories all other soap operas shied away from. [50] Another reporter from the publication stated that it was "arguably Brookside's best-known moment." [18] Their colleague Julie Bindel included it in a "top 10 lesbian kisses of all time" feature. Bindel explained that "it marked a change in attitude, and made many of us squeal with delight at lesbian love and passion featuring in a soap opera, between happy, functional teenagers as opposed to bitter and butch types." [51] Gareth McLean ( The Irish Times ) praised Brookside for inclusion and said the wider news viewed lesbians differently and "sapphism suddenly became cool". [33] In 2008, McLean was dismayed by the lack of lesbian characters on television. He stated that anytime the topic comes up, Margaret and Beth's kiss is always mentioned which "indicates the parlous state of lesbian representation." [52]

In July 2017, Nisha Mal of Wales Online branded it one of the "most iconic kisses of all time". [53] In December 2017, an Inside Soap reporter wrote that "the plot became one of Brookside's defining moments and paved the way for gay women in soaps." [26] In January 2021, Hilary Mitchell from PinkNews said that the "enduring legacy" of Margaret and Beth's kiss could not be "understated". She noted that the kiss is often spoken about on Twitter, despite it being broadcast twenty-eight years earlier. [25] She added "to say that kiss caused a huge sensation is a bit of an understatement, given how often it still comes up as a topic of conversation whenever the issue of LGBT+ representation on British TV comes up." [25] Keiran Southern of the Belfast Telegraph branded the kiss "perhaps the most famous LGBT moment in British soap opera history". [54] A HuffPost journalist wrote that they "kissed up a storm" and changed television history. [55]

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicola Stephenson</span> English actress

Nicola Stephenson is an English actress. She played the roles of Margaret Clemence in Brookside, Julie Fitzjohn in Holby City, Sarah Williams in The Chase, Allie Westbrook in Waterloo Road, and Tess Harris in Emmerdale.

<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 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">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.

<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.

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 often 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.

<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.

<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.

Beth Jordache is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera, Brookside. Played by Anna Friel, the character's first appearance was during the episode broadcast on 15 February 1993, where Beth and her family were seen moving into number 10, Brookside Close. Friel made her final appearance on 25 July 1995, with the character dying offscreen in the following night's episode. Beth was paramount to some of Brookside's most famous and controversial plots, such as the killing—and subsequent "patio" burial—of her abusive father and the first ever pre-watershed lesbian kiss in British television history.

References

  1. 1 2 Tibballs 1992, p.79.
  2. 1 2 3 Hayward 1991, p.10.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Hanlon, Marsha (29 August – 4 September 1992). "A happy ending for TV's forbidden lovers?". TVTimes . 146 (35). IPC Magazines: 16.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Tibballs 1994, p.45.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Tibballs 1992, p.78.
  6. 1 2 3 Tibballs 1995, p.58.
  7. Tibballs 1992, p.77.
  8. 1 2 Tibballs 1994, p.47.
  9. 1 2 "More tea vicar?". Inside Soap (20). Attic Futura UK: 32. April 1994.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Has Margaret gone mad?". Inside Soap (21). Attic Futura UK: 51. May 1994.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Tibballs 1995, p.57.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 Arnold, Richard (February 1994). "Just good friends?". Inside Soap (18). Attic Futura UK: 18, 19.
  13. Hughes, Johnathon (29 January 2021). "An oral history of Brookside: looking back at Britain's most groundbreaking soap". Digital Spy . Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  14. 1 2 "Brookside – On Demand – All 4". Channel 4 . Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  15. Leith, William (9 August 1998). "Anna Friel: Lipstick thespian". The Guardian . Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  16. 1 2 3 Kibble-White 2002, p.97.
  17. 1 2 3 Jeffries, Stuart (13 December 2012). "Your next box set: Brookside: Most Memorable Moments". The Guardian . Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  18. 1 2 "Brookside – a history". The Guardian . 3 November 2003. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  19. 1 2 "Rewatching the London 2012 opening ceremony – what was it all about?". BBC Bitesize . Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  20. 1 2 Davies, Lizzy; Harris, Paul (28 July 2012). "World's media lavishes praise on Olympic opening ceremony". The Guardian . Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  21. 1 2 3 4 Pearce, Tilly (24 June 2020). "Landmark LGBT TV moments – from first gay kiss to trans superheroes". Metro . DMG Media . Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  22. "Corrections and clarifications". The Guardian . 11 July 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  23. "Lesbian kisses, nudity and sex: groundbreaking British TV moments". The Daily Telegraph . 17 June 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  24. Ellis-Petersen, Hannah (15 June 2016). "BBC to stream 1974 show with first lesbian kiss on UK television". The Guardian . Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  25. 1 2 3 Mitchell, Hilary (27 January 2021). "Brookside's iconic lesbian kiss is an important reminder that homophobes will never stop the rainbow wave of progress". PinkNews . Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  26. 1 2 "Love be a lady tonight". Inside Soap (48): 52. 2–8 December 2017.
  27. Kibble-White 2002, p.96.
  28. 1 2 E. Gilchrist, Tracy (30 July 2012). "Olympics Opening Ceremonies Pays Homage to 'Brookside's' Groundbreaking Lesbian Kiss". Pride.com . Here Media . Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  29. "1994: Same-sex kiss between two women on Brookside, builds on first kiss between two men on EastEnders". Stonewall . 16 May 2019. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  30. Brooks, Xan (27 July 2012). "London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony – as it happened". The Guardian . Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  31. 1 2 Tibballs 1995, p.73.
  32. Tibballs 1995, p.175.
  33. 1 2 3 McLean, Gareth (1 November 2003). "A close sort of thing". The Irish Times . Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  34. McMullen, Marion (9 January 1999). "Cutting edge of drama; meet the staff of the exciting new medical series Holby City – just what the doctor ordered". Coventry Telegraph . Trinity Mirror via The Free Library . Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  35. "Brookside – Last month...". Inside Soap . No. 22. June 1994. p. 58. Margaret left for Bosnia to join Derek with DD's blessing...
  36. Tibballs 1995, p.176.
  37. Kibble-White 2002, p.85.
  38. "The greatest love stories ever told". Inside Soap (94). Attic Futura UK: 5. 7–20 February 1998.
  39. "Brookside: A user's guide". The Observer . 13 March 1994. p. 195. Retrieved 4 September 2021 via Newspapers.com. Lock-green.svg
  40. Phillips, Geoffrey (18 March 1994). "Friday television". Evening Standard . p. 32. Retrieved 4 September 2021 via Newspapers.com. Lock-green.svg
  41. Hughes, Lorna (25 January 2020). "Brookside: The 29 storylines you've probably forgotten". Manchester Evening News . Reach plc . Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  42. 1 2 "Remember when..? ... Margaret kissed Derek - and Beth!". Soaplife (7). (IPC Media): 66. February 2000.
  43. "The 100 greatest soap stories ever told". Inside Soap (100). Attic Futura UK: 7. 2–15 May 1998.
  44. Nicholls 1999, p.12.
  45. Graham, Polly (20 January 2002). "Night & Gay; soap's lesbian kiss". Sunday Mirror . Trinity Mirror via The Free Library . Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  46. Spavin, Vicky (24 February 2000). "Brookside's moments of glory". Daily Record . Trinity Mirror via The Free Library . Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  47. Shennan, Paddy (9 January 2004). "Smacker-Rooney!". Liverpool Echo . Trinity Mirror via The Free Library . Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  48. "Moyles visits Brookside Close – 29 Nov 07". BBC. 29 November 2007. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  49. "Moyles visits Brookside Close – 29 Nov 07". BBC. 29 November 2007. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  50. 1 2 Jeffries, Stuart (30 June 2021). "From a Brookside kiss to 'sadistic' foreign films: Channel 4's 20 most groundbreaking – and controversial – shows". The Guardian . Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  51. Bindel, Julie (22 December 2011). "Top 10 lesbian kisses of all time". The Guardian . Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  52. McLean, Gareth (22 July 2008). "Where are TV's gay girls?". The Guardian . Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  53. Mal, Nisha (6 July 2017). "The most iconic kisses of all time". Wales Online . Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  54. Southern, Keiran (29 August 2019). "The most memorable LGBT moments in British soaps". Belfast Telegraph . Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  55. "20 Years Ago Today... that Brookside Kiss Made History". HuffPost . 3 January 2014. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
Bibliography