Simon Howe

Last updated

Simon Howe
Brookside character
Simon Howe.jpg
Portrayed byLee Hartney
Duration1993–1994
First appearance13 October 1993 (1993-10-13)
Last appearance28 October 1994 (1994-10-28)
ClassificationFormer; recurring
In-universe information
OccupationShop assistant
FatherReverend Howe

Simon Howe is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside , played by Lee Hartney. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 13 October 1993. Hartney received the role the day after he had auditioned for it. Simon is introduced as a new petrol pump attendant working in the local petrol station. Writers first portrayed him as being mild-mannered before revealing his true manipulative persona.

Contents

Simon is characterised as a maniacal cult leader who tries to convert people into following his religion. Writers used the character to manipulate Katie Rogers (Diane Burke) and Terry Sullivan (Brian Regan) into joining his cult. He also takes Barry Grant (Paul Usher) with a gun and intentionally causes an explosion in his home. Critics of the genre branded the cult storyline controversial and unrealistic. Gareth McLean writing for The Guardian branded the character "the least charismatic charismatic ever". Other journalists compared Simon's story to the real life case of David Koresh and the Waco siege. Hartney praised the show's scriptwriters for portraying an issue lead storyline that happens in reality. Hartney received a mixed reaction from the public which ranged from hate mail and verbal abuse to fans requesting to join Simon's cult. The character was written out the following year in a suicide storyline, making his final appearance on 28 October 1994.

Casting

Hartney was cast in the role of Simon in 1993. [1] Hartney was filming scenes for the television series Cracker when he learned about the role. After he left the Granada studios early, he attended an audition. [2] The following day Hartney was offered the role, which was also the day he received his A level exam results. Hartney said Susan Wallace from the Sandwell Evening News that "I thought it seemed really poignant, really ironic - as though I was supposed to be acting and not studying." [2] Hartney was signed to a recurring cast contract which was reviewed and renewed sporadically every few months. [2]

Development

Characterisation and cult introduction

Producers introduced the character as a leader of a religious cult. Simon believes that he is "God's Chosen One" and he moves into number 5 Brookside Close. [3] Hartney told an Inside Soap reporter that when Simon was introduced he only seemed to work at the petrol station and pray; Simon "never talked about doing anything else". [4] When Hartney joined the show he was unaware of the full extent of Simon's cult storyline. Hartney told Sam Taylor from The Observer that he initially thought Simon seemed like "a drip". Producers informed him that there was "something a bit more beneath the surface" of the character. [5] On-screenwriters made Simon appear "mild-mannered" but he soon showed his true agenda. With every script, Hartney witnessed the evolution of Simon from nice guy to a nasty character. [6] Hartney told Stephanie Bell from Sunday Life that "at first there was nothing to suggest a sinister side to Simon, I saw him as Mr Nice Guy, a bit of a drip, a boring boy with nothing dynamic about his personality." [6] Hartley recalled the sudden realisation that his character was hiding a talent for manipulation. Hartney likened Simon to a predator, adding he had "a façade of being ordinary to ward off suspicion while he hooked his prey." Once Simon "hooked" them the new recruits "believed anything". [6] Hartney soon found it easy getting into character, explaining "as soon as I put on his awful check shirts and his disgusting baggy jeans... I just become Simon." [5]

Hartney told Richard Arnold (Inside Soap) that Simon is an "absolute control freak", a "megalomaniac" who "loves power" and wants others to "look up to him and respect his beliefs." [7] Simon surrounds himself with people of a similar age. This is another manipulative trait as he knows that his followers will better relate to him. Simon is "maniacal" and this causes him to behave erratically. [7] Hartley told Tony Purnell from the Daily Mirror that He's sly, unprincipled and he thrives on total power." [8] The story was created by Brookside's producer Mal Young who based the story on real life cults. He told Jill Todd from TVTimes that "we wanted to see how religion could affect a vulnerable person." [9] Writers developed the cult storyline over six months worth of episodes. [10] Simon's manipulative conduct included forcing his followers to practise behaviours that he would not practise himself. [11] Hartney told David Whetstone from The Journal that Simon forbids his followers from watching television but continues to do so himself. He asks cult members to fast but Simon continues to consumer food. Hartney explained that Simon justifies his behaviour buy claiming that "he needs his strength and Stamina to look after the group and keep the devil at bay." [11]

Simon's stories were similar to the real life events of American cult leader David Koresh and the Waco siege. Hartney has likened Simon to Koresh because of his manipulative characterisation. [4] Hartney has claimed that he did not know what a cult was prior to taking on the role. He was also unfamiliar with Koresh and his activities because he did not follow the news. The story made Hartney realise how vulnerable teenagers were being fooled into joining cults. [12] Hartney's portrayal was so convincing that he began to receive verbal abuse in public and was sent hate mail. [13] Though some fascinated viewers contacted Hartney asking to join Simon's cult. [5] Hartney was to deterred by the reaction and defended scriptwriters for portraying the issue lead story. [13]

Manipulating Katie and Terry

"We're showing that while such extraordinary self-confidence can be used as a positive talent, it can become a power for very real evil." [6]

—Hartley on Simon's manipulation of Katie and Terry. (1994)

Simon soon manipulates Katie Rogers (Diane Burke) and she agrees to move in with him. He then recruits Terry Sullivan (Brian Regan) and he moves in with them. [3] As the story progressed it became clear that praying was only a small part of Simon's religious rituals. He always appears with around six other people who hang onto his every word. The basis of Simon's cult is the born again Christian movement but he chooses to leave his sect unnamed. [4] Hartney explained that Simon wants to convert Katie into his cult. Simon "enjoys manipulating people and loves the power. He really likes people listening to him." [4] Simon finds it easier to manipulate Katie because she is still grieving the death of her father. Katie's best friend, Jacqui Dixon (Alex Fletcher) becomes the only one capable of saving her. Hartney added that Jacqui is "trying to catch Simon out." [4]

Burke told Josephine Monroe from Inside Soap that writers chose the correct character in for Simon to target. She explained that Katie is "the most naïve person I know. She's so childlike and believes anything anyone tells her." [14] Burke was concerned that viewers would not think the story was realistic. Burke herself could not believe some of the things Katie was agreeing to do for Simon; but cults were more frequently reported on in news and she thought that added realism. [14] Burke was unsure if Simon really believed in God or if he "just gets a buzz out of manipulating other people." She enjoyed portraying the issue and often looked forward to receiving advance scripts, which she branded "dramatic and exciting". Burke concluded that she was unsure of what would happen to Katie if Jacqui could not save her from the cult. [14]

One of the most outrageous aspects of the story was Simon trying to manipulate Katie and Terry into having sex. [6] Simon views Terry differently to other members of the cult. He does not think Terry is as in need of help but likes the challenge of converting him. Hartley told Bell that "He sees Terry as a new challenge, a guy so unlikely to get caught up in a religious sect that he must set out to hook him." [6] Simon views Katie as "a means to other ends". His manipulation of Katie is a well practised scheme. Hartney explained that Simon had previously manipulated a girl named Caroline and she serves as an example of what Katie will become. [6] Caroline had stayed with the cult despite "appalling treatment" and now Katie is being treated similarly as Simon attempts to force her into having sex with Terry. Hartney concluded that Simon is so confident in his manipulation that he is unafraid of losing Katie and "confident she'll stay even if she rebels a little just now." [6] Outraged by Simon's sex demands, Katie breaks free and seeks refuge with the Dixon family. Terry decides to remain with Simon. [15]

Departure

Barry Grant (Paul Usher) is introduced into the story as a new enemy of the cult. He buys number 5 and tries to evict the cult members, but they do not leave. He then tries to scare them with a gun, which Simon and Terry then use to hold Barry hostage. [3] Hartney told Arnold that the climax to the cult story is "great stuff". Simon is completely "maniacal and he could go over the edge at any time." [7] Barry wants revenge on Simon because he told everyone that Barry was a murderer. Simon is convinced that Barry is the devil and must deal with him. Hartney described Barry as "a nasty piece of work" but "no match for Simon". [7] Barry is also a threat to Simon because he "knows his own kind" and could potentially out Simon as a con man. Hartney believed that his character genuinely wanted to protect his "flock" and sees Barry as a bad influence on Terry. Simon thinks he is "protecting Terry to a certain extent, and he believes there's a legitimate reason for what he does." [7]

They later decide to make a bomb which detonates and causes damage to the house. [3] The explosion was a "spectacular" stunt which created by the production team. [10] A writer from the show's official website stated "the Brookside production team decided it needed to be on a grand scale." [16] It was achieved by placing two air cannons in each of the bedroom windows. Sugar glass was fitted into the wooden window frames for the shattering effect. [10] Smoke machines were deployed and stacks of paper were placed in front of the cannons. When the stunt was filmed, the cannons had so much force that the roof of the house did visibly rise. [10] Hartney praised the story for being a "typical" Brookside plot that had been "done very well and very gradually". [7]

Storylines

Howe preyed on people who had personal tragedy. Katie had experienced personal tragedy through the death of her father Frank (Peter Christian) in a car crash in November 1993. Simon indoctrinated her into his cult and took her virginity as initiation into the group. Despite his initial reluctance, Terry soon proved easy prey for Simon after the death of his wife Sue (Annie Miles) and son Danny. In indoctrinating Terry, Simon however invokes the wrath of Terry's friend Barry. With Barry already disliking Simon for brain-washing his best friend Terry, Simon further antagonises Barry by handing out leaflets warning of the 'perils of drink' outside Barry's bar. Barry threatens Simon, leaving Simon deciding to get him back. When the lease on No.5 expires Simon decides he wants to buy it to use it as his church. Barry however buys back his old house before Simon can and begins eviction proceedings.

Deciding that if he couldn't have his house then nobody could, Simon decided to blow it up. When Barry breaks in trying to evict Simon, Simon captures him and ties him up. He then makes a homemade bomb, releasing Barry just before setting the bomb. The bomb explodes, however it only causes superficial damage. Barry escapes; however, Simon and Terry are standing too near to the house and are injured. Barry visits Terry, who, to Barry's surprise, stays loyal to Simon. After recovering, Simon tells Terry that their work is done and it is time to die. The two try to asphyxiate themselves with exhaust fumes in a car. Barry finds them and rescues Terry only, leaving Simon to die.

Reception

Tony Purnell from the Daily Mirror assessed that "Simon Howe's cherubic smile, curly hair and bright eyes make him every mother's ideal. A bit of a drip in other words. But lurking beneath that angelic exterior there's a devil." [8] Another journalist from the outlet was not fooled by Simon's bravado. They wrote that "Simon is so obvious that he wouldn't earn a penny as a second-hand car salesman, but he's fooling people on the Close." They added that Simon was clever in his deceit because he "prefers to stay out of the way when trouble threatens." [17] Gareth McLean writing for The Guardian stated that Simon's cult storyline was an example of Brookside failing to portray everyday life scenarios. He also branded the character "the least charismatic charismatic ever, intent on spreading his version of the word." [18] Another Guardian journalist branded him the "Koresh-style cultist 'Creepy' Simon Howe." [19] Mike Wallbank from the Tameside Reporter described Simon as "the leader of a bizarre religious cult who preyed on the bereaved and vulnerable." [20] Katy Brent from Closer said that Simon's cult story was a reason to still miss Brookside after it was cancelled. She added that "when Simon eventually gassed himself in a car it was really hard to feel sad." [21]

Jill Todd from TVTimes profiled the character stating "religious leader Simon in Brookside is power-crazed, deeply sinister and dangerous - and his recruits worship him. It's fiction, but it's based on real life." [9] The Observer's Taylor described Simon as an "evil prophet in baggy jeans" and "a dangerous loony". They added that Simon and Beth Jordache (Anna Friel) are "larger-than-life, emblematic figures whose significance has outgrown even Brookside." He went on to add that Simon is "the soap's most potent hate figure". [5] In 2003, Frances Traynor from the Daily Record named Simon and his cult one of the show's "most controversial plotlines". [22] Inside Soap's Monroe profiled the character's gall stating "most men have a good line in chat-up when it comes to getting a girl into bed, but Brookside's Simon Howe takes the biscuit! He conned vulnerable Katie Rogers into sleeping with him (without using a condom) by telling her: 'God will protect us.' And she believed him!" [14] Lorna Hughes from the Liverpool Echo said that "religious fanatic Simon is best known for holding Barry Grant hostage and bringing his cult to Brookside Close - blowing up part of it in the process." She added that his departure in the suicide pact was "less well remembered". [23] Peter Grant from the publication branded him "sadistic Simon" who ran a "wacky religious cult" and was a "contender for creep of the year". [24] Paddy Shennan called him a "Brookie beast", "the beast of Brookside Close", "the David Koresh of West Derby" and a "devil in disguise". [12] Another reporter from The Observer profiled the character, stating that "the Close's own David Koresh, he is the leader of a Christian cult which has turned one of the houses into its church." [25] Inside Soap ran a feature compiling "The 100 greatest soap stories ever told". They featured Simon's cult story as their 64th choice. [26]

Simon's cult story confused Geoffrey Phillips of the Evening Standard , who questioned the plausibility of them all living in the same house. He stated that "Simon's disciples move in mysterious ways. One minute they all are, huddled over their pocket Bibles, mumbling and nodding, the next they have vanished." Phillips also questioned why they never speak and where they all were supposed to sleep. [27] Mark Lawson from The Independent criticised Brookside for featuring too many dramatic stories in quick succession. Referencing the cult story, Lawson wrote "Simon, the petrol pump attendant, has revealed himself to be the Risen Christ and established a sinister religious and sexual sect in a semi-detached." [28] A writer from Soaplife stated that "not content shocking the soap-watching world with a lesbian affair, the Brookside scriptwriters decided to spice things up even more with strange cult happenings." [29]

Dominic Moffitt from the Liverpool Echo named Simon a "charismatic cult leader" whose stories were some of the show's most shocking moments. [30] Moffitt stated that Simon's "dramatic, violent, and sex-crazed cult was full to the brim with so many shocking storylines we couldn't pick one on its own. He also believed that Simon's stories were popular but a sign that writers were telling stories better suited to a drama than a soap opera. [30] Dick Godfrey from The Journal called it a "bizarre cult" and Simon a "Messiah" who lead Katie and Terry "up the garden path towards salvation". Godfrey also accused Brookside of featuring religious conversion too boost their ratings. [31] Graham Young from the Sandwell Evening Mail said that Simon's cult were "religious nutters" but it was "a commendably original soap story." [32] Their colleague Susan Wallace branded Simon "the biggest creep on TV". She continued that Simon is "as creepy as a bath full of spiders and he's got more spellbinding powers than Svengali." Wallace also believed that the story had "the makings of another Waco siege." [2] Stephanie Bell from Sunday Life branded the character "smooth-talking Simon" who transformed from "Mr-Nice-Guy" to "Mr Nasty" to become a "depraved" and "sinister leader of Brookside's weird religious sect". [6] They also branded him a one-time "placid Christian" who became an "iron-fisted leader" religious leader who "exerts absolute control". [6] Francesca Babb from All About Soap included Simon's "cult classic" storyline in their "most memorable moments" of Brookside feature. [33]

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.

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damon Grant</span> Character in Brookside

Damon Grant is a fictional character in the defunct British soap opera Brookside, played by Simon O'Brien. The character was part of the initial cast, appearing from episode one in 1982 until 1987. At the time of the soap's inception, Damon was the youngest son of Bobby and Sheila Grant, with an older brother, Barry, and older sister, Karen.

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">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">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.

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.

Simon Fitzgerald (<i>Home and Away</i>) Soap opera character

Simon Fitzgerald is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by Richard Norton. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 25 September 1991. Norton was cast in the show after appearing in fellow soap opera Neighbours just a few months prior. Simon is characterised as a "joker" who enjoys playing pranks on his friends. Simon was introduced alongside his criminal father Bill Fitzgerald, who soon abandoned him. Writers paired Simon with Sophie Simpson for his first relationship story, although she is pregnant with another man's child. Producers decided to write Norton out of the show after one year, which shocked Norton. This led him to accuse the show's production of promoting other cast members better in storylines. Simon departed during the episode broadcast on 24 July 1992.

Lance Timothy Powell is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Mickey Poppins. The character debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 5 July 2000 and departed on 26 August 2003. Poppins had previously worked with the show's producer Paul Marquess and he created Lance especially for the actor. He was introduced with the returning characters of Leanne Powell and Bev McLoughlin to work in Bev's Bar as Marquess felt Brookside needed a "good bar with some great staff".

References

  1. ↑ Kibble-White 2002, p.156.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Wallace, Susan (26 February 1994). "Sinister Simon is the manipulator" . Sandwell Evening Mail. (Reach plc). Retrieved 1 February 2022– via British Newspaper Archive.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Lim, Madeleine (1994). "History of the house: No 5 Brookside Close". Brookside - the Magazine (1). (The Magazine Company): 9.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "What's Simon's secret?". Inside Soap (17). (Attic Futura UK Ltd): 26–27. January 1994.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Taylor, Sam (4 September 1994). "The angel and the antichrist". The Observer . p. 97. Retrieved 25 February 2021– via Newspapers.com. Lock-green.svg
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Bell, Stephanie (20 February 1994). "Sects scandal on Brookside Close! Simon says ... young Katie Rogers must sleep with Terry Sullivan" . Sunday Life . (Independent News & Media). Retrieved 1 February 2022– via British Newspaper Archive.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Arnold, Richard (August 1994). "High noon at Brookside Close!". Inside Soap (24). (Attic Futura UK Ltd): 12.
  8. 1 2 Purnell, Tony (19 February 1994). "What a wicked devil" . Daily Mirror . (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 1 February 2022– via British Newspaper Archive.
  9. 1 2 Todd, Jill (2–8 July 1994). "Broken by fear". TVTimes . 154 (27). (IPC Magazines): 16, 17.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Kibble-White 2002, p.98.
  11. 1 2 Whetstone, David (23 February 1994). "Sinister Simon takes control" . The Journal . (Reach plc). Retrieved 4 February 2022– via British Newspaper Archive.
  12. 1 2 Shennan, Paddy (20 April 1994). "Sinful Simon!" . Liverpool Echo . (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 4 February 2022– via British Newspaper Archive.
  13. 1 2 "TV soapbox" . The Sentinel . (Reach plc). 28 May 1994. Retrieved 4 February 2022– via British Newspaper Archive.
  14. 1 2 3 4 Monroe, Josephine (February 1994). "Katie's the most naïve person I know!". Inside Soap (18). (Attic Futura UK Ltd): 36.
  15. ↑ "Soap update" . Sunday Life . (Independent News & Media). 27 February 1994. Retrieved 4 February 2022– via British Newspaper Archive.
  16. ↑ "Twenty years of Brookside". Brookside.com. 2 February 2003. Archived from the original on 2 February 2003. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  17. ↑ "Wednesday February 23 - TV Weekly" . Daily Mirror . (Trinity Mirror). 19 February 1994. Retrieved 1 February 2022– via British Newspaper Archive.
  18. ↑ McLean, Gareth (27 October 2003). "Close encounters". The Guardian . p. 73. Retrieved 22 February 2021– via Newspapers.com. Lock-green.svg
  19. ↑ "Sacrificial hams". The Guardian . 9 July 1994. p. 114. Retrieved 26 February 2021– via Newspapers.com. Lock-green.svg
  20. ↑ Wallbank, Mike (24 April 2020). "Nostalgia: a star in the making". Tameside Reporter . (Quest Media Network). Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  21. ↑ Brent, Katy (2 August 2019). "Brookside: 34 solid reasons why we still miss the Scouse soap". Closer . (Bauer Media Group). Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  22. ↑ Traynor, Frances (31 October 2003). "Close encounters; as Brookside prepares for its final episode after 21 Years, TV editor Frances Traynor takes a look at the soap's most controversial plotlines". Daily Record . (Trinity Mirror via The Free Library). Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  23. ↑ Hughes, Lorna (21 January 2018). "29 Brookside storylines you've probably forgotten". Liverpool Echo . (Reach plc). Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  24. ↑ Grant, Peter (13 January 1994). "The telly" . Liverpool Echo . (Reach plc). Retrieved 1 February 2022– via British Newspaper Archive.
  25. ↑ "Brookside: A user's guide". The Observer . 13 March 1994. p. 196. Retrieved 1 June 2021– via Newspapers.com. Lock-green.svg
  26. ↑ "The 100 greatest soap stories ever told". Inside Soap (100). (Attic Futura UK): 9. 2–15 May 1998.
  27. ↑ Phillips, Geoffrey (4 March 1994). "Television guide". Evening Standard . p. 104. Retrieved 4 September 2021– via Newspapers.com. Lock-green.svg
  28. ↑ Lawson, Mark (1 March 1994). "Country folk with a nasty plot addiction". The Independent . p. 16. Retrieved 4 September 2021– via Newspapers.com. Lock-green.svg
  29. ↑ "Flashback". Soaplife (59). (IPC Media): 47. 20 January – 13 February 2004.
  30. 1 2 Moffitt, Dominic (1 February 2022). "Brookside at 40: The most shocking moments of the popular Liverpool soap". Liverpool Echo . (Reach plc). Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  31. ↑ Godfrey, Dick (26 January 1994). "Samantha's been zapped by religion" . The Journal . No. 45853. (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 1 February 2022– via British Newspaper Archive.
  32. ↑ Young, Graham (1 February 1994). "Graham Young The Mail's Mr Telly" . Sandwell Evening Mail. (Reach plc). Retrieved 1 February 2022– via British Newspaper Archive.
  33. ↑ Babb, Francesca (November 2000). "Brookside comes of age!". All About Soap . No. 14. (Attic Futura UK Ltd). p. 41.
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.