Claire House Strictly judge Suzanne Collins: ‘Brookside reunion felt like coming home'

Brookside star Suzanne Collins was back on set last month filming for a special one-off episode to mark Hollyoaks' 30th anniversary.

Recorded just round the corner from Claire House’s Liverpool site in West Derby, we can't wait to see what the old characters have been up to in the long-awaited Brookside return, airing on E4 tonight (October 22, 2025).

One of them will be Nikki Shadwick, played by the lovely Suzanne Collins. The Liverpool-born actress, who grew up in Birkenhead, was a member of the judging panel at a Claire House Does Strictly event.

She took on a completely different role, bringing her sunny personality and sparkle to our charity dance show at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel in September.

Here she talks about her excitement at returning to the famous close and resurrecting her role 21 years on.

Suzanne, 47, also spoke about what Claire House Children’s Hospice means to her.

Q: Why is supporting your local children’s hospice important?

A: The work that goes on at Claire House, supporting seriously ill babies, children and young adults, and their families is incredible. It’s a privilege to play a small part in helping such a wonderful cause.

Q: Why is Claire House special to you?

A: I've got lovely memories of supporting Claire House. One Christmas, I was there, dressed as Mrs Christmas and it was snowing. It was magical to see the children’s happy faces and see their families and the staff. That's what stayed with me. Claire House doesn’t feel clinical. It’s so warm and positive, despite the reasons the children are there.

What makes it special is the love you feel there, whether you’re a child, a visitor or a family member. I believe that’s down to the staff.

Also, I've opened charity shops with Claire Bear [the charity’s mascot] and there’s been a run in Birkenhead Park. I've memories of presenting a Wirral Globe award to Claire House too.

Q: As a proud Scouser, does supporting a Merseyside charity resonate deeply?

A: Claire House is a special place.

I'm proud of Claire House and the incredible work done there. And being a mum myself and being born in Liverpool and growing up in Birkenhead, it resonates even more.

I wanted to be involved in the charity’s Strictly because I appreciate the wonderful work that is done at Claire House and know how important it is to raise awareness. And who doesn't love Strictly with the glamour, the glitz and the dancing?!

Q: How does it feel to be back on Brookside after all these years?

A: Honestly, it was emotional! I was honoured and so made up to be asked to return to Brookside, it really felt like coming back home. It was a bit surreal to be back where it all began for me at 19. Brookside was such a huge part of my life.

Q: Did any memory stand out when you returned?

A: Loads of memories came flooding back. Right to my first day in our little Shadwick bungalow, which is painted beautifully now.

It was wonderful to be reunited with some of the iconic cast like Sue Johnston, Ricky Tomlinson, Louis Emerick, Mickey Starke, John McCardle, Paul Usher and Phil Olivier. And all the wonderful people behind the scenes – make up, wardrobe, casting, cameramen, crew sparks, writers, producers. Lots of people came down to watch, it was emotional. We are all older now, but the love was still there.

Q: Looking back, what did Brookside mean to you?

Brookside changed my life. I was a young girl living in Connaught Way in Birkenhead, studying drama, with big dreams. And Phil Redmond, our boss, made those dreams come true. I’m eternally grateful. I was blessed with incredible hard-hitting storylines such as the drug-rape storyline. I met the most wonderful people, many who I still see today. They’re like family and have been with me through everything.

Q: Were there any cast members you especially missed?

A: My darling best friend, the late Dean Sullivan, who played Jimmy Corkhill. He was such an iconic character, and Dean brought so much to the show. He’s truly missed.

Q: What can fans expect from the Brookside episode?

A: Fans can expect something that’s never been done before, one soap crossing over to another. There will be drama! There will be lots of old familiar faces and characters, alongside the gorgeous Hollyoaks cast. You will have to watch and see, I’m sworn to secrecy!

Q: How has life changed for you since those Brookside days?

A: Life has changed very much. I found out I was pregnant with my beautiful daughter Mya while filming my very last scenes with Dean [Sullivan]. I fainted on set and that’s how I found out. Mya is 21 now! The sunshine in my life. Sometimes Brooky seems like a dream. It’s mad because once you have children, your life before them seems unimportant.

Q. You’ve been a star of TV and theatre and passed on your expertise through your drama company. How would you sum up your career?

A. I've been lucky to work for nearly 30 years, all over the world, and worked with wonderful people. But working with my Brookside family again felt like coming home. The crossover episode is wonderful.

I’m not on the telly every week anymore, but acting-wise you can see me in other programmes. Earlier this year, I was in Coronation Street, as well as appearing in films on Netflix and Amazon. I’ve done loads of theatre work, performing at The Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool [such as Brick Up the Mersey Tunnels, and Willy Russell’s Stags and Hens and Educating Rita]. There’s been voiceover work and lots of teaching. And I’ve loved working with Mya on many projects too, short films, feature films and commercials.

Q: You’ve achieved so much in your career. What's been a special moment off-screen?

A: I’m happily married to a wonderful man, Stephen Clemence. We’ve been together for 14 years, I’ve also inherited two wonderful children, Jack and Sadie. Stephen’s work [as a football coach and ex-Premier League footballer] means we’ve moved all over the country. Brookside’s return and Claire House does Strictly brought me home. I was so grateful and excited to be part of it.

Q: How did you feel about judging Claire House does Strictly?

A: The Brookside return has created a lovely buzz in the press, and with the public, so when Claire House Children’s Hospice got in touch to congratulate me, I was so honoured to be asked to be part of this. I couldn't say no! It's Claire House, who could say no to help?

Q: How were you as a Strictly judge?

A: I fell in love with everyone! I was in absolute awe, for their bravery and the time they dedicated to practising. And to support the hospice and all its wonderful work, it’s amazing. In the words of Craig Revel Horwood, Claire House’s Strictly was fab-u-lous!