Brookside crossover promises a historic moment for fans
FWA client Paul Tanter is back in the director’s chair for HOLLYOAKS as the show gears up for its landmark 30th anniversary this October.
Next week on HOLLYOAKS, drama is mounting: John Paul McQueen uncovers a key memory and decides to warn Liberty Savage about a lurking danger, while serial killer Jez Blake escalates his sinister plans. Meanwhile, Clare Devine plots her exit with a final twisted game.
The anniversary week itself will feature a special BROOKSIDE crossover, celebrating the Channel 4 soap that gave birth to HOLLYOAKS. Iconic BROOKSIDE characters will return to screens in a tribute to the show’s legacy, delighting both long-time fans and a new generation of viewers. Executive Producer Hannah Cheers described the episode as “a love letter to both Hollyoaks and Brookside.”
We are thrilled that Paul’s vision will play a role in bringing these celebrations to life – a well-deserved victory lap for what has become a stalwart in the continuing drama genre.
Paul brings a wealth of experience to the HOLLYOAKS set. A London-based director, he has directed and produced independent films across genres including drama, action, sci-fi, horror, and crime. His credits include Fox Action Movie’s AGE OF THE LIVING DEAD and My5’s NO EASY DAYS, alongside feature films STEALING CHAPLIN (“an Elmore Leonard-esque pleasure” – The Guardian) and ESCAPING PARADISE, streaming on Tubi.
Since 2024, Paul has been expanding into Continuing Drama and High-End TV, with HOLLYOAKS marking a key part of this transition. His previous episodes have explored complex storylines, from the return of legacy characters to sensitive narratives about sibling sexual abuse, grief, and school-based drama. Known for his energetic, visual storytelling and actor-focused direction, Paul brings nuance and emotional truth to his work on the continuing drama.
We can’t wait to see Paul bring these episodes to life and witness the excitement as fans welcome back beloved characters for this landmark anniversary.