Brookside’s beloved spin-off, ‘Damon and Debbie,’ returns to screens via STV Player, rekindling a classic tale for a new audience.
- The original 1987 series follows young lovers Damon Grant and Debbie McGrath on their adventurous escape from Brookside Close to York.
- Notable for its innovative ‘soap bubble’ format, the show captured a unique narrative style later adopted by others in the genre.
- Actors Simon O’Brien and Gillian Kearney share fond memories of filming, highlighting the series’ cultural impact.
- STV Player’s release includes three episodes, with the first debuting on 1 January, continuing a successful collaboration with All3Media International.
Brookside’s cherished spin-off, ‘Damon and Debbie,’ returns to the spotlight as it debuts on STV Player. This release marks a significant moment for fans who followed the original airing in 1987. The series centres on teen sweethearts Damon Grant and Debbie McGrath, portrayed by Simon O’Brien and Gillian Kearney, as they flee from disapproving parents, embarking on a journey to York. The storyline, set against the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain, offers a compelling narrative of young love and rebellion.
The series was a pioneer of the ‘soap bubble’ format, a technique where characters from a main show venture into their own separate narrative, allowing for both storylines to progress independently. This method has since been utilised by major soaps including EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Hollyoaks, showcasing the pioneering spirit of Brookside.
Simon O’Brien expressed his excitement about the show’s revival, noting the groundbreaking nature of the ‘Damon and Debbie’ storyline. ‘I fondly remember wandering around the north of England with the lovely Gillian Kearney and the rest of the talented team,’ he recounted. His account reflects the passion and camaraderie that defined the original production.
Gillian Kearney also reminisced about her involvement from a young age and the unique opportunities it presented. She highlighted the supportive atmosphere on set, describing it as being part of a family, which added to the special nature of the production. The crew’s dedication and the innovative direction provided by Frank Cottrell-Boyce left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
STV Player acquired the rights to ‘Damon and Debbie’ through a deal with All3Media International, continuing to expand its content library. The first episode is set to premiere on 1 January, with the next two episodes following weekly. Richard Williams, the Managing Director of Digital at STV, expressed enthusiasm for reintroducing this ‘thrilling and heartbreaking Romeo and Juliet story with Scouse accents’ to a new generation.
The return of ‘Damon and Debbie’ not only revives a cherished narrative but also cements its place in television history as a groundbreaking series that continues to resonate with audiences.
