User:Raintheone/Brookside sandbox

Anna Wolska
Anna is a Polish character who arrives in the United Kingdom to study English. Anna speaks with a Eastern European accent fitting for a Polish character. In reality, Kazia Pelka was born in Yorkshire and had a northern British accent. Pelka's father is originally from Poland and settled in the United Kingdom for work. Pelka and her brother used to mimic their father's accent when they were children but she believed it eventually became caricature. Pelka's father helped to retrain her pronunciation so she could have an authentic Polish accent during filming at Brookside.

Pelka's father also helped her understand the character's plight. On-screen Anna spent much of her time working as a nanny for Patricia (Gabrielle Glaister) and Max Farnham (Steven Pinder). When Patricia sacks Anna, she becomes jobless and once her studies finish she is not allowed to secure employment. Anna's visa only allowed her to study in the United Kingdom and once she had finished her course she was supposed to return to Poland. Anna remains in the country illegally and unable to receive state benefits or secure a financial income. Pelka told a reporter from What's on TV that "her family saved up so she could study English in the UK, and she doesn't want them to know what's happened to her. But with no one to turn to and with no way of making money, she could just spiral down and down until there's no where further to go." Pelka added that her father had no friends, jobs or spoke any English when he arrived from Poland. His stories helped her to portray Anna's bad luck in a foreign country.

Anna also moves in with neighbour, Peter Harrison (Robert Beck) who is an accused rapist. She disapproves of his relationship with Beth Jordache (Anna Friel) and is loathe to see him with another woman. Anna then decides that she must marry a British national to remain in the country. She arranges a marriage of convenience with her friend, Terry Sullivan (Brian Regan). Anna soon realises that Terry has genuine romantic feelings and decides to call the wedding off. Pelka told a writer from TVTimes that "she didn't want to use Terry, so she broke of their engagement when she realised he was in love with her." Anna then decides to marry Terry's ex-best friend Barry Grant (Paul Usher) instead. Barry is a dangerous character with a past of violence. Terry tries to warn Anna about Barry, of which Pelka added "Barry is clever and devious, and he's certainly not Anna's type. She's attracted to sensitive men and she appreciates Terry's concern for her."

Writers also explored the issue of prostitution via Anna's story. She turns to prostitution because she no longer has the right to work in the UK and runs out of money.

Of Anna's characterisation, a TVTimes reporter stated "she likes to think she's a tough cookie, but beneath her bravado Brookside's Anna is a big softie."

Marianne Dwyer
Marianne is characterised as a hard working career woman with a job as a assistant education officer. She puts a lot of her energy into making her job role succeed. Hanson believed that people often misunderstood Marianne because of her career. She told a reporter from TVTimes "people think that career women are hard but that's not true. Marianne is a sincere, caring type of person." Marianne is searching for a man who takes his responsibilities seriously and can offer her a good marriage.

Producers created a potential romance story between Marianne and Mick Johnson (Louis Emerick). Writers played the two unable to act on their strong feelings for each other. Then the story was made more complicated when Marianne begins dating Mick's brother, Ellis Johnson (Francis Johnson). Their romance developed quickly and the pair soon decide to get married. On New Years Eve 1992, Marianne and Mick give into their feelings and share a kiss. This leaves Marianne conflicted about which brother she should choose. The wedding episodes were broadcast two months later in February 1993.

Rather than it be a happy occasion for Marianne, she is still confused and unsure if she should marry Ellis. Hanson told a TVTimes journalist that "it's a genuine dilemma for her". She added that Marianne had become "caught up in the whirlwind of romance" with Ellis. She tries to "convince herself she's in love with him" and her feelings for Mick is just "sisterly warmth". Hanson explained that it was "easy to understand" why Marianne would also be attracted to Ellis. She is a career woman and Ellis is "charming and vivacious". He is someone who will take her out and with him she can "let her hair down and have a good time." Hanson opined that Mick was different, more "solid and responsible" and ultimately he has the "steadfastness she needs in a husband". Producers also reintroduced Mick's ex-wife Josie Johnson (Suzanne Packer) into the series. When Marianne sees Mick and Josie together she is consumed with jealousy. She puts on her wedding dress and tries to hide her hurt that Mick may have moved on.

Ellis Johnson
Producers created a relationship story between Ellis and Marianne Dwyer (Jodie Hanson). The story was an extension of a plot involving Marianne and Ellis's brother, Mick Johnson (Louis Emerick). Writers had matched them as potential love interests but in the story they never act on their feelings. Marianne soon decides to proceed with a relationship with Ellis, despite her lingering feelings for Mick. Hanson told a reporter from TVTimes that "Ellis came along and she got caught up in the whirlwind of romance." The pair decide to get engaged and Hanson believed that Marianne tries to convince herself she is in love with Ellis. She also discards her feelings for Mick as just "sisterly warmth."

On New Years Eve 1993, writers created scenes of infidelity as Marianne and Mick give into temptation and share a kiss. Two months later, the wedding day arrives. Producers also reintroduced former character and Mick's ex-wife, Josie Johnson (Suzanne Packer). Marianne is consumed with jealousy at the sight of Josie and Mick together. At the altar, Marianne cannot take her mind of Mick and the wedding is jeopardised. Hanson revealed that Marianne is a career minded woman and it is "easy to understand" the attraction between Ellis and Marianne. She explained that Ellis is a "charming and vivacious" character who will take Marianne out places for her own enjoyment. He can allow Marianne to have a good time, whereas Mick is more "solid and responsible". Hanson believed that Mick's qualities better suited Marianne's characterisation.

Diana Hollingsworth from Soaplife branded Ellis one of "the dodgy dealers of soapland". She assessed that "back in the early nineties, Mick's kid brother Ellis took risks and somehow poor Mick always ended up taking the blame. But he got his come-uppance when the lovely Miarriane jilted him at the altar and ran off with Mick."

Josie Johnson
Packer decided to return to the series in 1993. Josie was reintroduced amidst a dramatic storyline in which her ex-husband Mick Johnson (Louis Emerick) is pining to be with Marianne Dwyer (Jodie Hanson). This is despite the fact Marianne is engaged to his brother, Ellis Johnson (Francis Johnson). The pair had already shared a kiss, Marianne was conflicted about whether she should marry Ellis or be with Mick. When Josie returns to Brookside Close, Marianne is "consumed with jealousy". Josie's presence further jeopardises Ellis' wedding day as Marianne tries to hide her upset.

Peter Harrison
Diana Corkhill (Paula Frances)

Writers created a romance between Peter and Beth Jordache (Anna Friel). The Jordache family were introduced into the series following Peter's rape trial and remained unaware of Diana's accusations. This leaves Peter wondering if he should tell Beth the truth. Beck told Donna Hay from What's on TV that it was a "tough dilemma" for Peter and he wonders if she would ever find out. Peter's lodgers also pose a threat to their relationship. Mike Dixon (Paul Byatt) is attracted to Beth and Anna Wolska (Kazia Pelka) takes issue with Peter having a girlfriend. Beck explained that "he's taking a risk and to be fair he does try to tell her. But when push comes to shove, he just can't bring himself to do it."

Even though Peter was found innocent by the jury, Beck believed that Peter was being punished regardless. He explained that everyone still sympathised with Diana and no one thought Peter could be "emotionally scarred" by the ordeal too. He added "for a long time he's avoided getting involved with women because he's so scared. Now he's found someone he can get close to, but ghosts from the past still haunt him." The story was made more complex because Beth was sexually abused by her father, Trevor Jordache (Bryan Murray). This leaves Beth facing the prospect of being involved with another abuser. Friel told Hay that Beth trusts Peter and does not believe he could be anything like Trevor. She added "he seems kind, sensitive and sympathetic." She added that if Beth discovered Peter's past then she would believe all men are like her father.

Beth Jordache
One of Beth's main storylines upon her introduction is dealing with her father Trevor Jordache (Bryan Murray) sexually abusing her. Friel researched the storyline to help her portrayal and met with an abuse survivor. She told a reporter from What's on TV that during filming, she recalled the emotional pain that the survivor was in to better help her understand Beth's emotional state. The show also provided a telephone number to help anyone affected by the issue. Friel claimed that the storyline prompted many people to come forward and seek help to escape their abusive family members. Friel had a good rapport with Murray, which made the harrowing scenes more difficult to film. Friel explained that Murray was really "nice" and "it's really hard to hate him." Trevor was also abusive towards her mother, Mandy Jordache (Sandra Maitland). The storyline culminated in Beth and Mandy unable to take anymore of Trevor's behaviour and they murder him with a kitchen knife. They do not report the crime and consider how to dispose of his body. In addition they have to dispose of the knife and a blood soaked carpet. Friel said that dramatic storyline was so harrowing that she and Maitland would often "sit and cry together" after filming.

Writers created a romance between Beth and her neighbour, Peter Harrison (Robert Beck). Peter had previously been accused of raping Diana Corkhill (Paula Frances) and the case went to trial. Peter was found not guilty and allowed to return to Brookside Close. Beth's family were introduced into the series following Peter's rape trial and they all remained unaware of Diana's accusations. Peter ponders whether or not he should tell Beth the truth. Beck told Donna Hay from What's on TV that it was a "tough dilemma" for Peter. Other characters including Beth's admirer Mike Dixon (Paul Byatt) and Peter's friend and lodger, Anna Wolska (Kazia Pelka) both could reveal the truth. Beck explained that "he's taking a risk and to be fair he does try to tell her. But when push comes to shove, he just can't bring himself to do it."

Beth is still affected by her abusive father, Trevor and being involved with another abuser could ruin her life. Friel told Hay that Beth trusts Peter and does not believe he could be anything like Trevor because "he seems kind, sensitive and sympathetic." She added when Beth learns the truth, it would "confirm her worst fears that deep down all men are like her father." Friel believed that Beth had too grow up quickly and be strong for her mother and sister. With Peter, she finds an outlet to enjoy herself more. Friel explained that now it's time for her to start having some fun." She added that the story was well received by other survivors of abuse.

Terry Sullivan
Terry ends his long-standing friendship with Barry Grant (Paul Usher), after which producers wrote Barry out of the show temporarily and rested the story. Barry flees to Madrid and hides out while Terry tries to accept the circumstances of his wife's death. After four months, Barry decides he wants to return home but is worried that Terry will inform the police about Sue and Danny's deaths. Usher told TV Quick's Cameron that "relations between them are quite strained, to say the least." Barry decides that a personal meeting with Terry is the best option and invites him to visit him in Spain.

Terry's next potential love interest is Polish immigrant Anna Wolska (Kazia Pelka). Terry and Anna become friends while she is residing in the United Kingdom to study English. Once her studies and visa expire, Anna is supposed to return to Poland. She decides to remain in the country illegally and cannot work. Anna decides that she must marry a British national in order to stay in the UK. Terry agrees to a marriage of convenience but soon develops genuine feelings for Anna. Pelka told a TVTimes reporter that Anna cannot proceed with the marriage because she "didn't want to use Terry, so she broke of their engagement when she realised he was in love with her." Anna then decides to marry Barry instead but Terry tries to warn Anna about Barry's violent past. This makes Anna wonder whether she made a mistake cancelling her plans with Terry. Pelka explained added "Barry is clever and devious, and he's certainly not Anna's type. She's attracted to sensitive men and she appreciates Terry's concern for her."

Ron Dixon
Writers ended the twenty year Dixon marriage with an affair storyline featuring the newly introduced Bev McLoughlin (Sarah White). Bev is aged twenty one and the attentions of a younger woman is alluring to Ron. When their affair is revealed, Ron's wife DD Dixon (Irene Marot) has a mental breakdown and joins a convent. White was not supportive of her character's behaviour because it was not something she would have done. To complicate matters, writers created a relationship story between Bev and Ron's son, Mike Dixon (Paul Byatt). White told Sue Ricketts from What's on TV that "Ron is anything but pleased that Bev is going out with Mike, but that's precisely why she's doing it. It's a calculated move to make him want her again." White believed that other men Bev's age would not put up with such scheming. Ron is unlikely to receive offers of romance from younger women again and is willing. White added "which is why Bev is interested in him, she can get away with murder" around him.

Geoff Rogers
Kevin Carson decided to leave the series to concentrate on studying for his A Level exams. Geoff's departure storyline featured him going off to pursue a football career. Geoff is selected to become an apprentice player with Torquay United and is the envy of all his friends. He later becomes a successful player in the team.

In 1993, it was announced that Geoff would be returning to the series. Producers decided to recast Geoff with Stephen Walters taking over the role. Walters was excited to join the cast because he was an existing viewer and felt like he already knew the show's characters. Walters believed recasting the role was plausible because Geoff had been off-screen for three years. He told a reporter from TVTimes that "I don't think viewers will be confused, because Geoff would have changed a lot during his three years away. He left as a boy and now he's a man." Geoff makes his return in September 1993 and arrives with a secret. He later decides to reveal all to his father, Frank Rogers (Peter Christian). Walters could easily relate to Geoff's backstory. The Rogers family were supportive and encouraged Geoff to pursue his football career. Walters believed he received the same support from his family over his acting. He added "if it's in your blood, then you've got to give it your best shot. That's how I feel about acting and how Geoff feels about football."

Characters
Carl Banks (Stephen Donald) Sarah Banks (Andrea Marshall) Rosie Banks (Susan Twist) Lee Banks (Matthew Lewney) Eddie Banks (Paul Broughton) Margaret Clemence (Nicola Stephenson) Diana Corkhill (Paula Frances) Beth Jordache (Anna Friel) DD Dixon (Irene Marot) Mike Dixon (Paul Byatt) Ron Dixon (Vince Earl) Jacqui Dixon (Alex Fletcher) Bev McLoughlin (Sarah White) Peter Harrison (Robert Beck) Anna Wolska (Kazia Pelka) Trevor Jordache (Bryan Murray) Susannah Morrisey (Karen Drury) Patricia Farnham (Gabrielle Glaister) Max Farnham (Steven Pinder) David Crosbie (John Burgess) Darren Roebuck (Timothy Deenihan) Margi Shadwick (Bernadette Foley) Nikki Shadwick (Suzanne Collins) Emily Shadwick (Jennifer Ellison) Jason Shadwick (Vincent Price) Greg Shadwick (Mark Moraghan) Nisha Batra (Sunetra Sarker) Leanne Powell (Vickie Gates) Lance Powell (Mickey Poppins) Christy Murray (Glyn Pritchard) Sammy Rogers (Rachael Lindsay) Katie Rogers (Debbie Reynolds) Katie Rogers (Diane Burke) Owen Daniels (Danny McCall) Lyn Rogers (Sharon Power) Frank Rogers (Peter Christian) Chrissy Rogers (Eithne Brown) Geoff Rogers (Kevin Carson) Geoff Rogers (Stephen Walters) Mick Johnson (Louis Emerick) Elaine Johnson (Beverly Hills) Gemma Johnson (Naomi Kamanga) Gemma Johnson (Carla Jarrett) Jerome Johnson (Leon Lopez) Leo Johnson (Leeon Sawyer) Leo Johnson (Steven Cole) Yvonne Johnson (Nicola Gardner) Yvonne Johnson (Suzette Llewellyn) Ellis Johnson (Francis Johnson) Josie Johnson (Suzanne Packer) Marianne Dwyer (Jodie Hanson) Marcia Barrett (Cheryl Maiker) Mandy Jordache (Sandra Maitland) Rachel Dixon (Tiffany Chapman) Rachel Jordache (Tiffany Chapman) Terry Sullivan (Brian Regan) Barry Grant (Paul Usher)

Main article

 * Character overturn and reception
 * Schedule change, ratings, characters, Redmond interview
 * Charity work -
 * Houses, props, characters, controversy, location filming
 * Brookside video - Brookside: The Men
 * Authentic casting -
 * Memorable moments DVD -
 * Sets -