Brookside axed after 21 years

The axe has finally fallen on Channel 4 soap Brookside, it was announced today.

It will finish at the end of the year to coincide with the show’s 21st anniversary in November.

Channel 4 signalled the end for the soap last year by moving it from peaktime to a Saturday afternoon slot.

Today it jointly announced with Brookside’s makers Mersey TV that the show is to disappear from the schedules for good.

The cast and crew on the Liverpool-based soap were told of the decision earlier today.

Viewing figures have slumped from a high of seven million during the show’s heyday to just 1.5 million.

Brookside creator Phil Redmond said: “Everything comes down to the fact that Channel 4 changed – and Brookside didn’t fit the mix. It happens. Life must move on and we have all come to terms with that.

“I am particularly pleased that the programme is ending on such a strong year, doing exactly what I intended it to do 21 years ago – blending entertainment with the raising of social issues.

“We have a lot to be proud of and although I know a lot of people will be sad at Brookside’s passing, we should not be looking back.”