[mcginn]

Here the story from brookside.com

For the eighth time in BROOKSIDE's history, the rumour-mill is rumbling that the programme is apparently about to be axed. So what's the real story?

Quality
brookside.com went direct to BROOKSIDE Production to find out what was actually going on. They accept that for some time BROOKSIDE hasn't been working in its current slot on Channel Four. Whilst the team are confident of the quality of the programme, they feel that the scheduling of the show has affected its popularity.

Strong
The news that Channel Four will moving BROOKSIDE to a permanent 90-minute slot at 5pm on Saturday from November 30 has been greeted with some optimism from the programme-makers. The old Saturday omnibus time has traditionally been a strong slot for BROOKSIDE, and shouldn't be taken as an indication that the programme is set for cancellation.

Revamp
BROOKSIDE Production do admit, however, to being “spooked” by the timing of Channel Four's announcement which comes on the eve of the programme's 20th birthday and one of its biggest storylines in years. Recently £1.5 million was spent on revamping the programme, and a further £1 million on marketing. The decision has been taken by the channel before seeing one single frame of the “new” BROOKSIDE.

Cast and crew at BROOKSIDE have resolved to let the dust settle on this latest announcement from the channel and take a view on it in the New Year

[Amy]

I can safely say that i will not miss brookside at all, i've never really liked it that much and the only time i did watch it was to see the episode where they found the body under the patio

[LEE]

I used to follow Brookside and watch it regularly, it was prob my favourite soap. It has gone downhill recently though, and even though I still watch it a bit, I don't follow it like I used to and don't think it that good any more.

I hope they don't axe it, but I hope if it stays they improve it .

[tiptop]

what is the big storyline?

[mcginn]

News from Brookside.com

Dramatic
At brookside.com we've been closely shadowing the shooting of some of the most dramatic sequences in BROOKSIDE's history and we can report that the events lined up on screen for November will ensure that the lives of Brookside Close's residents will never be the same again.

Gripping
One gripping set piece will see a police helicopter plummet onto the Parade, causing several cars to explode and wreaking substantial damage to the surrounding shops. And there will be at least one fatality as a result of the disaster. Why the helicopter crashes, however, is another matter altogether …

Action
We can also report that the action on the Parade will be preceded by a tense week as criminals go to ground in Brookside Close, taking some of the residents hostage. Caught up in all of this will be Lindsey Corkhill, once more played by Claire Sweeney

[bananarama]

Out of all the soaps Brookside is the only one I can tolorate. I have watched it for about the past three years only. Although I admit it has become less inspiring over the last year.

Channel 4 have messed about too much with the scheduling of the program which cannot have helped it's popularity rating.

I hope they don't axe it. It is it's crazy story lines and excellent acting which has made it for me.

As for the other soaps!! Well I have promised to be good for 7 days so I shall say no more.

[BusyBee]

I used to love Brookie - it was the one soap I couldnt miss. Some of the storylines in the past were masterstrokes for instance the hostage storyline, Trevor buried under the patio, but the few times I have watched it recently it seems very stale and past its sell by date. The story lines seem to go on and on and on and apart from that young boy whose Mum is one of the Nolans who is a brilliant actor the others seem to go through the motions. This threat might be the kick in the a**e the programme needs. Lets hope so.

[bananarama]

Agreed. I still watch it because I like the characters even though they have not had any meaty scripts lately to show off their acting skill. Your right that young lad is very good indeed. According to the TV mag this week Brookie is going dramatic again with a police chase, hostage taking and helicopter crashing into the close.
Ahh yes! just a normal day..

[WILDCHILD]

Sounds like the helicopet story could be worth watching because I dont watch it that much lately. I'venever been a big lover of Brookie but I wouldnt like to see it axed - when there is a good storyline, it is a decent show.
My fave show is Eastenders and apparently Barbara Windsor is taking a year off - long holiday Peggs!!!
And Im pretty sad that Trevor is leaving this month cos he is a classic actor!!!

[Amy]

It will be sad to see Trevor and Peggy go

[mcginn]

Did ne1 see it tonight it was great there was a police chase and gun hold ups and Next week it going to be better with the police helicopter crash.

I hope it wont be axed with great story lines like this.

[LEE]

I only caught the last couple of minutes so didn't really know what was happening. It did look good though and it was nice to see Clare Sweeney back in it again. As I said earlier in this thread I used to really enjoy Brookie but I haven't really watched it for ages. Maybe I should start again.