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{{For|the son of Jimmy Corkhill|Little Jimmy Corkhill}}
{{For|the son of Jimmy Corkhill|Little Jimmy Corkhill}}
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{{In use}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2014}}{{Use British English|date=February 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2014}}
{{Infobox soap character|series=Brookside
{{Infobox soap character|series=Brookside
|image = [[File:Jimmy Corkhill.jpg|200px]]
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'''Jimmy Corkhill''' is a fictional character from the British [[Channel 4]] [[soap opera]] ''[[Brookside]]'', played by [[Dean Sullivan]]. He joined the series in 1986. Originally arriving on a recurring basis appearing alongside his on-screen brother, [[Billy Corkhill|Billy]] ([[John McArdle]]), he then became a regular cast member, featuring in many big storylines, and remaining in the show until its demise 17 years later. He is also cited as one of the show's most popular characters, and was the longest-featured character. Jimmy has often been cited as a lovable rogue by television critics.
'''Jimmy Corkhill''' is a fictional character from ''[[Brookside]]'', played by [[Dean Sullivan]], who joined the series in 1986. Originally arriving on a recurring basis appearing alongside his on-screen brother, [[Billy Corkhill|Billy]] ([[John McArdle]]), he became a regular cast member, featured in major storylines, and remained in the show until its end 17 years later. He is cited as one of the show's most popular characters, and was the longest-featured character. Jimmy has often been cited as a lovable rogue by television critics.


==Casting==
==Casting==
Jimmy is played by actor [[Dean Sullivan]]. He later became the longest-serving cast member in the serial's history.<ref name="mirror"/> Sullivan was initially only contracted to appear in six episodes as a recurring character, but due to his popularity he was taken on full-time and remained for seventeen years.<ref name="six"/> When the serial was axed, Sullivan stated he felt bereaved and it was like losing an old friend.<ref name="mirror"/>
Jimmy is played by [[Dean Sullivan]]. He later became the longest-serving cast member in the serial's history.<ref name="mirror"/> Sullivan was initially only contracted to appear in six episodes as a recurring character, but due to his popularity he was taken on full-time and remained for seventeen years.<ref name="six"/> When the serial was cancelled, Sullivan said he felt bereaved and it was like losing an old friend.<ref name="mirror"/>


==Characterisation==
Jimmy is often described as a rogue.<ref name="hf"/>
Jimmy is often described as a rogue.<ref name="hf"/>


==Storylines==
==Storylines==
Jimmy first appeared in Brookside when brother Billy had moved in and was in the process of building the extension to No.10. His first scene in the close featured Billy and [[Paul Collins (Brookside)|Paul Collins]] ([[Jim Wiggins (actor)|Jim Wiggins]]), another close resident, who was the architect responsible for designing the extension.
Jimmy first appears in Brookside when his brother Billy moves in and is in the process of building the extension to No.10. His first scene in the [[Dead end (street)|close]] features Billy and [[Paul Collins (Brookside)|Paul Collins]] ([[Jim Wiggins (actor)|Jim Wiggins]]), another close resident, who is the architect responsible for designing the extension.


Jimmy came and went for a couple of years as a sporadic character while the Corkhill family were introduced. His first big storyline involved an insurance 'job' on Billy's house. For a year or so, Billy had been in dire financial straits, and Jimmy talked him into what he thought was a surefire winner. So on a day when Billy's son Rod (Jason Hope) graduated from Police college, Jimmy did the insurance job (in daylight) - and totally trashed the Collins' house in the process for good measure, to make it look a bit more convincing to the police and the insurance company. However, once Billy returned from the graduation later that day, he was mortified at the amount of damage Jimmy had done to his house, and for a while it put a strain on their relationship.
Jimmy comes and goes for a couple of years as a sporadic character while the Corkhill family are introduced. His first major storyline involves an insurance "job" on Billy's house. For a year or so, Billy has been in dire financial straits, and Jimmy talks him into what he thinks a surefire winner. When Billy's son, Rod (Jason Hope), graduates from police college, Jimmy does the insurance job (in daylight) and completely trashes the Collins' house in the process to make it look a bit more convincing to the police and the insurance company. When Billy returns from the graduation later that day, he is mortified at the amount of damage Jimmy had done to his house, and it temporarily puts a strain on their relationship.


In the early-to-mid 1990s, Jimmy became an integral part of the storylines. First he suffered from a drug addiction, which nearly destroyed his marriage to Jackie ([[Sue Jenkins]]). He had numerous jobs, including a barman and bouncer at "Bar Brookie", working for [[Mick Johnson]] ([[Louis Emerick]]) in his pizza takeaway, a cleaner in a school, and ultimately a history teacher at his local school. In November 1993, Jimmy's contacts were starting to get arrested and he decided to flee the close. When driving, he took a hit of cocaine to steady his nerves; however, this seriously affected his driving, and he caused neighbour [[Frank Rogers (Brookside Character)|Frank Rogers]] ([[Peter Christian (actor)|Peter Christian]]) to swerve off a road and crash. Frank, who had just married [[Lyn Matthews]] (Sharon Power), was badly injured, and died just after arriving at the hospital. Jimmy had driven some of the relatives to hospital, and when they arrived he learnt that Frank had just died and that Tony Dixon (Mark Lennock) was in a serious condition.
In the early-to-mid 1990s, Jimmy became an integral part of the storylines. He first suffers from a drug addiction, which nearly destroys his marriage to [[Jackie Corkhill|Jackie]] ([[Sue Jenkins]]). He has numerous jobs, such as being a barman and bouncer at Bar Brookie, working for [[Mick Johnson]] ([[Louis Emerick]]) in his pizza takeaway, a cleaner in a school, and as a history teacher at his local school. In November 1993, Jimmy's contacts begin to get arrested and he decides to flee the close. When driving, he takes a hit of cocaine to steady his nerves, which affects his driving and causes his neighbour, [[Frank Rogers (Brookside Character)|Frank Rogers]] ([[Peter Christian (actor)|Peter Christian]]) to swerve off a road and crash. Frank is badly injured, and dies just after arriving at the hospital. Jimmy drives some of the relatives to hospital, and when they arrive he learns that Frank had just died and that Tony Dixon (Mark Lennock) is in serious condition.


Within a month of the crash, Tony was diagnosed as being in a [[persistent vegetative state]], and doctors said that he was unlikely ever to regain consciousness, but his father [[Ron Dixon (Brookside)|Ron]] ([[Vince Earl]]) was determined to help him recover. Jimmy helped out with fundraising to help the Dixon family find a cure, but Tony died in February 1994. At the request of Ron, Jimmy was a pallbearer at Tony's funeral, but finally cracked under guilt at the graveside and confessed that he had caused the crash.
Within a month of the crash, Tony is diagnosed as being in a [[persistent vegetative state]], and doctors say that he was unlikely ever to regain consciousness, but his father [[Ron Dixon (Brookside)|Ron]] ([[Vince Earl]]) is determined to help him recover. Jimmy helps fundraise to help the Dixon family find a cure, but Tony dies in February 1994. At Ron's request, Jimmy becomes a pallbearer at Tony's funeral, but cracks under guilt at the graveside and confesses that he caused the crash.


Jimmy's drug problem had worsened as he was racked with guilt over the crash, and when Jackie caught him taking drugs in their bathroom just before Christmas 1993, he confessed to her that he had caused the crash and that drugs were his way of coping with the guilt. However, she didn't tell anybody else about his confession, and even tried to talk Jimmy into believing that the crash wasn't all his fault, as it had already been revealed that Frank had been over the drink-drive limit when the crash happened.
Jimmy's drug problem worsens as he was racked with guilt over the crash, and when Jackie catches him taking drugs in their bathroom just before Christmas 1993, he confesses the crash to her and that drugs are his way of coping with the guilt. She does not tell anybody else about his confession, and even tries to talk Jimmy into believing that the crash was not all his fault, as it had already been revealed that Frank had been over the drink-drive limit when the crash happened.


Jimmy started taking ecstasy tablets in 1994, and actor Dean Sullivan reportedly suggested the storyline should culminate with Jimmy dying, in order to warn young viewers about the dangers of taking drugs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2016/01/28/where-are-the-stars-of-brookside-now-and-who-could-return-5645690/|title=Where are the stars of Brookside now and who could return?|last=Metro.co.uk|first=Amy Duncan for|date=2016-01-28|website=Metro|access-date=2016-12-20}}</ref>
Jimmy starts taking ecstasy in 1994, and Sullivan reportedly suggested the storyline should have ended with Jimmy dying, in order to warn young viewers about the dangers of taking drugs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2016/01/28/where-are-the-stars-of-brookside-now-and-who-could-return-5645690/|title=Where are the stars of Brookside now and who could return?|last=Metro.co.uk|first=Amy Duncan for|date=2016-01-28|website=Metro|access-date=2016-12-20}}</ref>


In January 1995, Jimmy and Eddie Banks (Paul Broughton) found the body of [[Trevor Jordache]] ([[Bryan Murray (actor)|Bryan Murray]]). He had been killed two years earlier by his wife [[Mandy Jordache|Mandy]] (Sandra Maitland) and daughter [[Beth Jordache|Beth]] ([[Anna Friel]]), after years of physical and psychological abuse, as well as rape. They then buried him under the patio. The storyline was called 'The Body Under The Patio' plot. Incidentally, the storyline that led up to it, which involved an alcoholic, abusive and incestuous father (Trevor Jordache), was one of Brookside's most moving storylines (the "Body Under the Patio" discovery scene remains Brookside's most well-known, and is rated as one of the most memorable in UK soap history).
In January 1995, Jimmy and Eddie Banks (Paul Broughton) find the body of [[Trevor Jordache]] ([[Bryan Murray (actor)|Bryan Murray]]), who had been killed two years earlier by his wife [[Mandy Jordache|Mandy]] (Sandra Maitland) and daughter [[Beth Jordache|Beth]] ([[Anna Friel]]), after years of physical and psychological abuse, and rape. They bury him under the patio.


1995 also saw Jimmy turn up to the [[D-Day]] commemorations dressed in a Gestapo uniform, which did not go down well in the close. He was also accompanied on frequent occasions during 1995 with his dog, a pitbull called Cracker. Jimmy soon found himself caught up in the world of drugs again, but this time he was dealing them instead of taking them, allowing him to make a small fortune. With the money, he was able to buy 10 Brookside Close and, after years of hanging around, finally moved into the neighbourhood. However, things soon soured when rival dealers targeted the house in a drive-by shooting, which killed Jackie's cat, and Jimmy decided to get out of the game before anyone got hurt. Jimmy's son-in-law (and partner in crime) Gary Stanlow (Andrew Fillis) was ordered to dispose of the remaining drugs, but Gary chose instead to sell one final stash to one of Jimmy's regular customers, Australian soap star Shane Cochrane (who was in a relationship with Jacqui Dixon ([[Alexandra Fletcher]])). Jimmy was horrified when Gary admitted what he had done, as the heroin was uncut, and tried desperately to reach Shane in time, but was just too late to stop him fatally overdosing.
In 1995, Jimmy turns up to the [[D-Day]] commemorations dressed in a Gestapo uniform, which does not go down well in the close. He is also accompanied on frequent occasions by his dog Cracker. Jimmy ends up selling drugs instead of taking them. With the money, he buys 10 Brookside Close and moves into the neighbourhood. However rival dealers target the house in a drive-by shooting, which kills Jackie's cat, and Jimmy decides to quit before anyone got hurt. Jimmy's son-in-law (and partner in crime) Gary Stanlow (Andrew Fillis) is ordered to dispose of the remaining drugs, but he chooses to sell one final stash to one of Jimmy's regular customers, Australian soap star Shane Cochrane. Jimmy is horrified when Gary admits what he had done, as the heroin was uncut, and tries desperately to reach Shane in time, but is too late to stop him fatally overdosing.


A short time after, Jimmy's son [[Little Jimmy Corkhill|"Little Jimmy"]] ([[George Christopher]]) came out of prison and resumed the heroin habit which had helped land him behind bars. Jimmy and Jackie forced him to come off the drugs by making him go cold turkey, however Little Jimmy still owed money to drug dealers who ended up murdering him in November 1996 (Ron Dixon having unknowingly shown them where he lived as he believed the dealers were police looking for the elder Jimmy). There was a brief respite for Jimmy and Jackie in July 1997 when, both in their forties, they had a third child, William. Jimmy attempted to make a fresh start and wanted to become a teacher, however, he did so by falsifying certificates, for which he had enlisted the help of neighbour Danny Simpson (Andrew Butler). Jimmy really enjoyed the job, however, after a few months Jackie became sick of the pretence of it all, mainly because Jimmy was really starting to believe his own hype. She spilled the beans at a dinner with two of his fellow teacher colleagues, who took a dim view. Jimmy was sacked soon after. Following this, he developed manic depression ([[bipolar disorder]]) and began experiencing hallucinations and delusions. He then got up one morning, convinced he was still a teacher, and arrived at the school to teach a lesson clad in mismatching shoes. This culminated in him locking his pupils in his classroom, where he shook tables and starting ranting and screaming. A boy in his class protested about this and called him a "weirdo". This led to the boy having a bloody nose as Corkhill grabbed him and smacked his face on a table. Consumed with guilt, he ran out of the class and went up to the roof, where he was ready to commit [[suicide]]. His daughter [[Lindsey Corkhill]] ([[Claire Sweeney]]) and neighbour [[Ray Hilton]] ([[Kenneth Cope]]) heard about this and tried to convince him not to kill himself. The police were also informed and rushed to the scene; two policemen went up to the roof, and were standing behind Corkhill, who jumped off the roof, but was saved just in time by one of the policemen. After this, he was advised to go to his GP and he was put on anti-depressants.
A short time after, Jimmy's son [[Little Jimmy Corkhill|"Little Jimmy"]] ([[George Christopher]]) is released from prison and resumes the heroin habit that landed him behind bars. Jimmy and Jackie force him off the drugs by making him go cold turkey, but Little Jimmy still owes money to drug dealers who end up murdering him in November 1996. There is a brief respite for Jimmy and Jackie in July 1997 when they have a third child, William. Jimmy attempts to make a fresh start and wants to become a teacher, but he does so by falsifying certificates with Danny Simpson's (Andrew Butler) help. Jimmy really enjoys the job, but Jackie becomes sick of it after a few months, mainly because Jimmy was really starting to believe his own hype. She reveals his deception at a dinner with two of his fellow teacher colleagues, who are not impressed, and Jimmy is fired afterwards. He later develops [[Manic Depression|manic depression]], and begins experiencing hallucinations and delusions. He gets up one morning, convinced he is still a teacher, and arrives at the school. He lock his pupils in his classroom, shakes tables, and starts ranting and screaming. A boy in his class protests and calls him a "weirdo", causing Jimmy to grab him and throw him into a table. Consumed with guilt, he runs out of the classroom and up onto the roof, where he is ready to commit [[suicide]]. His daughter [[Lindsey Corkhill]] ([[Claire Sweeney]]) and neighbour [[Ray Hilton]] ([[Kenneth Cope]]) hear about this and try to convince him not to kill himself. The police are also informed and rush onto the scene. Jimmy jumps off the roof, but is saved just in time by one of the policemen. After this, he is advised to go to his general practitioner and he put on anti-depressants.


In 2001, his marriage to [[Jackie Corkhill|Jackie]] ended in separation after many years. After the siege, neighbour [[Nikki Shadwick]] ([[Suzanne Collins (Actress)]]) began to see Jimmy as a father figure, but her feelings turned to infatuation, and the two slept together in 2002.
In 2001, he separates from Jackie. After the siege, neighbour [[Nikki Shadwick]] (Suzanne Collins) sees Jimmy as a father figure, but her feelings turn to infatuation, and the two sleep together.


Jimmy goes to live with his son-in-law [[Barry Grant]] ([[Paul Usher]]) and daughter in their mansion in [[Blaydon]], [[Tyne and Wear]].
Jimmy Corkhill remained in the series until its final episode in November 2003. He starred in the show's final scenes, which included him painting "Game Over" on his house and adding a "D" to the street-sign so it read "Brookside Closed". He then went to live with his son-in-law [[Barry Grant]] ([[Paul Usher]]) and daughter in their mansion in [[Blaydon]], [[Tyne and Wear]]. The final scene of Brookside saw Jimmy winking at the camera, thus breaking the fourth wall.<ref name="bc">{{cite web|title=Two million watch Brookside's end|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/3243589.stm|work=[[BBC]]|accessdate=2 August 2010|date=5 November 2003}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
In 2000, Jimmy and Jackie Corkhill received the best on-screen partnership award at the [[British Soap Awards]].<ref name="sawards">{{cite web|title=EastEnders cleans up soap awards|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/767530.stm|work=[[BBC]]|accessdate=2 August 2010|date=27 May 2000}}</ref> He was then nominated in the category of "Best Actor" at the 2002 award ceremony.<ref name="is">{{cite web |last=Welsh |first=James |title=British Soap Awards 2002: Nominations |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/feature/a7412/british-soap-awards-2002-nominations.html |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=([[Hachette Filipacchi Médias|Hachette Filipacchi UK]]) |accessdate=2010-10-09 |date=16 May 2002 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224111420/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/feature/a7412/british-soap-awards-2002-nominations.html |archivedate=24 December 2013 |df= }}</ref> In 2003 [[Dean Sullivan]] received the Special Achievement Award at the ''British Soap Awards'' for his portrayal of the character.<ref name="bsa">{{cite web|title=Winners of the Soap Awards |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/tv_film/newsid_3017000/3017497.stm|work=[[CBBC]]|publisher=([[BBC]])|accessdate=2 August 2010|date=11 May 2003}}</ref> The character was selected as one of the "top 100 British soap characters" by industry experts for a poll to be run by ''What's on TV'', with readers able to vote for their favourite character to discover "Who is Soap's greatest Legend?".<ref>{{cite web|title=Who is Soaps' Greatest Legend? |url=http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/soap-legend |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205085644/http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/soap-legend |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 December 2012 |work=[[What's on TV]] |publisher=[[IPC Media]] |accessdate=8 July 2012 }}</ref> [[Virgin Media]] included Jimmy in their "80s finest" segment and stated: "Jimmy Corkhill arrived on Brookside Close as a wheeler-dealer, but over his 17 years on the show he also showed us the horrors of drugs, and showcased a lot of scary-faced mental illness acting."<ref name="vm">{{cite web|title=Whatever happened to the stars of 80s TV? - Jimmy Corkhill (Brookside) |url=http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/tvheroes/80s-tv-stars-where-are-they-now.php?ssid=11|work=[[Virgin Media|Virginmedia.com]]|publisher=([[Virgin Media|Virgin Media Inc.]])|accessdate=2 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401055214/http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/tvheroes/80s-tv-stars-where-are-they-now.php?ssid=11 |archive-date=1 April 2009}}</ref> Newspaper ''[[The Press (York)|The Press]]'' branded him as one of the serial's most popular characters.<ref name="popular">{{cite web|title=Brookie bond: Five characters and one fatal fall... but who killed Susannah? |url=http://archive.thisisyork.co.uk/2000/10/31/310619.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505113028/http://archive.thisisyork.co.uk/2000/10/31/310619.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 May 2013 |work=[[The Press (York)|The Press]] |publisher=([[Newsquest]]) |accessdate=2 August 2010 |date=31 October 2000 }}</ref> Jimmy became noted for wearing a trademark denim shirt; the shirt was won in a competition after the serial stopped airing.<ref>{{cite web|title=Win Jimmy Corkhill's denim shirt|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/nov/03/broadcasting.channel42|work=[[The Guardian]]|publisher=([[Guardian Media Group]])|accessdate=2 August 2010|date=3 November 2003}}</ref> Rachel Murphy of the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' branded Jimmy a "lovable nutter" and also stated: "Jimmy has ducked and dived through a hilarious and heart-breaking catalogue of crime, drug abuse, mental illness and tragedy".<ref name="mirror">{{cite web|last=Murphy|first=Rachel|title=Interview: Dean Sullivan - Dean's soap sorrow; Dean Sullivan reveals why the end of Brookside in November will be like losing an old friend. By Rachel Murphy.|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Interview%3A+Dean+Sullivan+-+Dean%27s+soap+sorrow%3B+Dean+Sullivan+reveals...-a0103881582|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|publisher=([[Trinity Mirror]] via [[The Free Library]])|accessdate=28 February 2021|date=21 June 2003}}</ref> In 2004 [[Northwest Regional Development Agency]] branded Jimmy a "lovable rogue" type,<ref name="nwda">{{cite web|last=Faragher |first=Emma |title=Dean Sullivan pays tribute to businesses of the region |url=http://www.nwda.co.uk/news--events/press-releases/200401/dean-sullivan-pays-tribute-to.aspx |work=[[Northwest Regional Development Agency]] |accessdate=4 August 2010 |date=25 March 2004 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001232249/http://www.nwda.co.uk/news--events/press-releases/200401/dean-sullivan-pays-tribute-to.aspx |archivedate= 1 October 2011 |df= }}</ref> a label which ''Click Liverpool'' also attributed to the character.<ref name="nsds">{{cite web|last=Kennedy |first=Paul |title=Brookside stars back campaign for a Best of Brookie DVD |url=http://www.clickliverpool.com/culture/culture/129853-brookside-stars-back-campaign-for-a-best-of-brookie-dvd.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119084558/http://www.clickliverpool.com/culture/culture/129853-brookside-stars-back-campaign-for-a-best-of-brookie-dvd.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 January 2013 |work=Click Liverpool |publisher=(Click Creative) |accessdate=4 August 2010 |date=16 July 2010 }}</ref> In addition, the [[BBC]] have stated he is a "much-loved rogue".<ref name="hf">{{cite web|title=Brookside homes to be auctioned|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7786583.stm|work=[[BBC|bbc.co.uk]]|publisher=([[BBC]])|accessdate=4 August 2010|date=16 December 2008}}</ref>
In 2000, Jimmy and Jackie Corkhill received the best on-screen partnership award at the [[British Soap Awards]].<ref name="sawards">{{cite web|title=EastEnders cleans up soap awards|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/767530.stm|work=[[BBC]]|accessdate=2 August 2010|date=27 May 2000}}</ref> Sullivan was nominated in the category of "Best Actor" at the 2002 award ceremony.<ref name="is">{{cite web |last=Welsh |first=James |title=British Soap Awards 2002: Nominations |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/feature/a7412/british-soap-awards-2002-nominations.html |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=([[Hachette Filipacchi Médias|Hachette Filipacchi UK]]) |accessdate=2010-10-09 |date=16 May 2002 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224111420/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/feature/a7412/british-soap-awards-2002-nominations.html |archivedate=24 December 2013 |df= }}</ref> In 2003 Sullivan received the Special Achievement Award at the ''British Soap Awards'' for his portrayal of the character.<ref name="bsa">{{cite web|title=Winners of the Soap Awards |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/tv_film/newsid_3017000/3017497.stm|work=[[CBBC]]|publisher=([[BBC]])|accessdate=2 August 2010|date=11 May 2003}}</ref> Jimmy was selected as one of the "top 100 British soap characters" by industry experts for a poll to be run by ''What's on TV'', with readers able to vote for their favourite character to discover "Who is Soap's greatest Legend?"<ref>{{cite web|title=Who is Soaps' Greatest Legend? |url=http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/soap-legend |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205085644/http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/soap-legend |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 December 2012 |work=[[What's on TV]] |publisher=[[IPC Media]] |accessdate=8 July 2012 }}</ref> [[Virgin Media]] included Jimmy in their "80s finest" segment and stated: "Jimmy Corkhill arrived on Brookside Close as a wheeler-dealer, but over his 17 years on the show he also showed us the horrors of drugs, and showcased a lot of scary-faced mental illness acting."<ref name="vm">{{cite web|title=Whatever happened to the stars of 80s TV? - Jimmy Corkhill (Brookside) |url=http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/tvheroes/80s-tv-stars-where-are-they-now.php?ssid=11|work=[[Virgin Media|Virginmedia.com]]|publisher=([[Virgin Media|Virgin Media Inc.]])|accessdate=2 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401055214/http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/tvheroes/80s-tv-stars-where-are-they-now.php?ssid=11 |archive-date=1 April 2009}}</ref> ''[[The Press (York)|The Press]]'' branded him as one of the serial's most popular characters.<ref name="popular">{{cite web|title=Brookie bond: Five characters and one fatal fall... but who killed Susannah? |url=http://archive.thisisyork.co.uk/2000/10/31/310619.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505113028/http://archive.thisisyork.co.uk/2000/10/31/310619.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 May 2013 |work=[[The Press (York)|The Press]] |publisher=([[Newsquest]]) |accessdate=2 August 2010 |date=31 October 2000 }}</ref> Jimmy became noted for wearing a trademark denim shirt, which was won in a competition after the serial stopped airing.<ref>{{cite web|title=Win Jimmy Corkhill's denim shirt|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/nov/03/broadcasting.channel42|work=[[The Guardian]]|publisher=([[Guardian Media Group]])|accessdate=2 August 2010|date=3 November 2003}}</ref> Rachel Murphy of the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' branded Jimmy a "lovable nutter" and also stated: "Jimmy has ducked and dived through a hilarious and heart-breaking catalogue of crime, drug abuse, mental illness and tragedy".<ref name="mirror">{{cite web|last=Murphy|first=Rachel|title=Interview: Dean Sullivan - Dean's soap sorrow; Dean Sullivan reveals why the end of Brookside in November will be like losing an old friend. By Rachel Murphy.|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Interview%3A+Dean+Sullivan+-+Dean%27s+soap+sorrow%3B+Dean+Sullivan+reveals...-a0103881582|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|publisher=([[Trinity Mirror]] via [[The Free Library]])|accessdate=28 February 2021|date=21 June 2003}}</ref> In 2004 [[Northwest Regional Development Agency]] branded Jimmy a "lovable rogue" type,<ref name="nwda">{{cite web|last=Faragher |first=Emma |title=Dean Sullivan pays tribute to businesses of the region |url=http://www.nwda.co.uk/news--events/press-releases/200401/dean-sullivan-pays-tribute-to.aspx |work=[[Northwest Regional Development Agency]] |accessdate=4 August 2010 |date=25 March 2004 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001232249/http://www.nwda.co.uk/news--events/press-releases/200401/dean-sullivan-pays-tribute-to.aspx |archivedate= 1 October 2011 |df= }}</ref> a label which ''Click Liverpool'' also attributed to the character.<ref name="nsds">{{cite web|last=Kennedy |first=Paul |title=Brookside stars back campaign for a Best of Brookie DVD |url=http://www.clickliverpool.com/culture/culture/129853-brookside-stars-back-campaign-for-a-best-of-brookie-dvd.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119084558/http://www.clickliverpool.com/culture/culture/129853-brookside-stars-back-campaign-for-a-best-of-brookie-dvd.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 January 2013 |work=Click Liverpool |publisher=(Click Creative) |accessdate=4 August 2010 |date=16 July 2010 }}</ref> In addition, the [[BBC]] have stated he is a "much-loved rogue".<ref name="hf">{{cite web|title=Brookside homes to be auctioned|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7786583.stm|work=[[BBC|bbc.co.uk]]|publisher=([[BBC]])|accessdate=4 August 2010|date=16 December 2008}}</ref>


''[[The Northern Echo]]'' praised the character, stating: "In criminal and activist Jimmy Corkhill, Dean Sullivan has created one of the soap's most memorable characters. He remains one of the few links with the Brookie heyday when it was regularly in the news. After nearly 20 years, he's closely identified by the public with the character, which was originally only scheduled to appear in six episodes."<ref name="six">{{cite web|title= Breaking up Close companions|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/7026958.breaking-close-companions/|work=[[The Northern Echo]]|publisher=([[Newsquest]])|accessdate=28 February 2021|date=16 June 2003}}</ref>
''[[The Northern Echo]]'' praised the character, stating: "In criminal and activist Jimmy Corkhill, Dean Sullivan has created one of the soap's most memorable characters. He remains one of the few links with the Brookie heyday when it was regularly in the news. After nearly 20 years, he's closely identified by the public with the character, which was originally only scheduled to appear in six episodes."<ref name="six">{{cite web|title= Breaking up Close companions|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/7026958.breaking-close-companions/|work=[[The Northern Echo]]|publisher=([[Newsquest]])|accessdate=28 February 2021|date=16 June 2003}}</ref>

Revision as of 06:04, 13 July 2021

For the son of Jimmy Corkhill, see Little Jimmy Corkhill.

Jimmy Corkhill
Brookside character
Portrayed byDean Sullivan
Duration1986–2003
First appearance24 February 1986
Last appearance4 November 2003
ClassificationFormer; regular
Created byPhil Redmond
Spin-off
appearances		Brookside: The Lost Weekend
In-universe information
OccupationTeacher
MotherMargaret Corkhill
BrothersFrankie Corkhill
Billy Corkhill
WifeJackie Walker (1971–2001)
SonsJimmy Corkhill Jr
William Corkhill
DaughtersLindsey Corkhill
GrandsonsJimmy Grant
GranddaughtersKylie Corkhill
NephewsRod Corkhill
NiecesTracy Corkhill
First cousinsDon Corkhill

Jimmy Corkhill is a fictional character from Brookside, played by Dean Sullivan, who joined the series in 1986. Originally arriving on a recurring basis appearing alongside his on-screen brother, Billy (John McArdle), he became a regular cast member, featured in major storylines, and remained in the show until its end 17 years later. He is cited as one of the show's most popular characters, and was the longest-featured character. Jimmy has often been cited as a lovable rogue by television critics.

Casting

Jimmy is played by Dean Sullivan. He later became the longest-serving cast member in the serial's history.[1] Sullivan was initially only contracted to appear in six episodes as a recurring character, but due to his popularity he was taken on full-time and remained for seventeen years.[2] When the serial was cancelled, Sullivan said he felt bereaved and it was like losing an old friend.[1]

Jimmy is often described as a rogue.[3]

Storylines

Jimmy first appears in Brookside when his brother Billy moves in and is in the process of building the extension to No.10. His first scene in the close features Billy and Paul Collins (Jim Wiggins), another close resident, who is the architect responsible for designing the extension.

Jimmy comes and goes for a couple of years as a sporadic character while the Corkhill family are introduced. His first major storyline involves an insurance "job" on Billy's house. For a year or so, Billy has been in dire financial straits, and Jimmy talks him into what he thinks a surefire winner. When Billy's son, Rod (Jason Hope), graduates from police college, Jimmy does the insurance job (in daylight) and completely trashes the Collins' house in the process to make it look a bit more convincing to the police and the insurance company. When Billy returns from the graduation later that day, he is mortified at the amount of damage Jimmy had done to his house, and it temporarily puts a strain on their relationship.

In the early-to-mid 1990s, Jimmy became an integral part of the storylines. He first suffers from a drug addiction, which nearly destroys his marriage to Jackie (Sue Jenkins). He has numerous jobs, such as being a barman and bouncer at Bar Brookie, working for Mick Johnson (Louis Emerick) in his pizza takeaway, a cleaner in a school, and as a history teacher at his local school. In November 1993, Jimmy's contacts begin to get arrested and he decides to flee the close. When driving, he takes a hit of cocaine to steady his nerves, which affects his driving and causes his neighbour, Frank Rogers (Peter Christian) to swerve off a road and crash. Frank is badly injured, and dies just after arriving at the hospital. Jimmy drives some of the relatives to hospital, and when they arrive he learns that Frank had just died and that Tony Dixon (Mark Lennock) is in serious condition.

Within a month of the crash, Tony is diagnosed as being in a persistent vegetative state, and doctors say that he was unlikely ever to regain consciousness, but his father Ron (Vince Earl) is determined to help him recover. Jimmy helps fundraise to help the Dixon family find a cure, but Tony dies in February 1994. At Ron's request, Jimmy becomes a pallbearer at Tony's funeral, but cracks under guilt at the graveside and confesses that he caused the crash.

Jimmy's drug problem worsens as he was racked with guilt over the crash, and when Jackie catches him taking drugs in their bathroom just before Christmas 1993, he confesses the crash to her and that drugs are his way of coping with the guilt. She does not tell anybody else about his confession, and even tries to talk Jimmy into believing that the crash was not all his fault, as it had already been revealed that Frank had been over the drink-drive limit when the crash happened.

Jimmy starts taking ecstasy in 1994, and Sullivan reportedly suggested the storyline should have ended with Jimmy dying, in order to warn young viewers about the dangers of taking drugs.[4]

In January 1995, Jimmy and Eddie Banks (Paul Broughton) find the body of Trevor Jordache (Bryan Murray), who had been killed two years earlier by his wife Mandy (Sandra Maitland) and daughter Beth (Anna Friel), after years of physical and psychological abuse, and rape. They bury him under the patio.

In 1995, Jimmy turns up to the D-Day commemorations dressed in a Gestapo uniform, which does not go down well in the close. He is also accompanied on frequent occasions by his dog Cracker. Jimmy ends up selling drugs instead of taking them. With the money, he buys 10 Brookside Close and moves into the neighbourhood. However rival dealers target the house in a drive-by shooting, which kills Jackie's cat, and Jimmy decides to quit before anyone got hurt. Jimmy's son-in-law (and partner in crime) Gary Stanlow (Andrew Fillis) is ordered to dispose of the remaining drugs, but he chooses to sell one final stash to one of Jimmy's regular customers, Australian soap star Shane Cochrane. Jimmy is horrified when Gary admits what he had done, as the heroin was uncut, and tries desperately to reach Shane in time, but is too late to stop him fatally overdosing.

A short time after, Jimmy's son "Little Jimmy" (George Christopher) is released from prison and resumes the heroin habit that landed him behind bars. Jimmy and Jackie force him off the drugs by making him go cold turkey, but Little Jimmy still owes money to drug dealers who end up murdering him in November 1996. There is a brief respite for Jimmy and Jackie in July 1997 when they have a third child, William. Jimmy attempts to make a fresh start and wants to become a teacher, but he does so by falsifying certificates with Danny Simpson's (Andrew Butler) help. Jimmy really enjoys the job, but Jackie becomes sick of it after a few months, mainly because Jimmy was really starting to believe his own hype. She reveals his deception at a dinner with two of his fellow teacher colleagues, who are not impressed, and Jimmy is fired afterwards. He later develops manic depression, and begins experiencing hallucinations and delusions. He gets up one morning, convinced he is still a teacher, and arrives at the school. He lock his pupils in his classroom, shakes tables, and starts ranting and screaming. A boy in his class protests and calls him a "weirdo", causing Jimmy to grab him and throw him into a table. Consumed with guilt, he runs out of the classroom and up onto the roof, where he is ready to commit suicide. His daughter Lindsey Corkhill (Claire Sweeney) and neighbour Ray Hilton (Kenneth Cope) hear about this and try to convince him not to kill himself. The police are also informed and rush onto the scene. Jimmy jumps off the roof, but is saved just in time by one of the policemen. After this, he is advised to go to his general practitioner and he put on anti-depressants.

In 2001, he separates from Jackie. After the siege, neighbour Nikki Shadwick (Suzanne Collins) sees Jimmy as a father figure, but her feelings turn to infatuation, and the two sleep together.

Jimmy goes to live with his son-in-law Barry Grant (Paul Usher) and daughter in their mansion in Blaydon, Tyne and Wear.

Reception

In 2000, Jimmy and Jackie Corkhill received the best on-screen partnership award at the British Soap Awards.[5] Sullivan was nominated in the category of "Best Actor" at the 2002 award ceremony.[6] In 2003 Sullivan received the Special Achievement Award at the British Soap Awards for his portrayal of the character.[7] Jimmy was selected as one of the "top 100 British soap characters" by industry experts for a poll to be run by What's on TV, with readers able to vote for their favourite character to discover "Who is Soap's greatest Legend?"[8] Virgin Media included Jimmy in their "80s finest" segment and stated: "Jimmy Corkhill arrived on Brookside Close as a wheeler-dealer, but over his 17 years on the show he also showed us the horrors of drugs, and showcased a lot of scary-faced mental illness acting."[9] The Press branded him as one of the serial's most popular characters.[10] Jimmy became noted for wearing a trademark denim shirt, which was won in a competition after the serial stopped airing.[11] Rachel Murphy of the Daily Mirror branded Jimmy a "lovable nutter" and also stated: "Jimmy has ducked and dived through a hilarious and heart-breaking catalogue of crime, drug abuse, mental illness and tragedy".[1] In 2004 Northwest Regional Development Agency branded Jimmy a "lovable rogue" type,[12] a label which Click Liverpool also attributed to the character.[13] In addition, the BBC have stated he is a "much-loved rogue".[3]

The Northern Echo praised the character, stating: "In criminal and activist Jimmy Corkhill, Dean Sullivan has created one of the soap's most memorable characters. He remains one of the few links with the Brookie heyday when it was regularly in the news. After nearly 20 years, he's closely identified by the public with the character, which was originally only scheduled to appear in six episodes."[2]

Jimmy was parodied in a segment of Shooting Stars, where he was played by Vic Reeves.[14]

References

  1. ^ a b c Murphy, Rachel (21 June 2003). "Interview: Dean Sullivan - Dean's soap sorrow; Dean Sullivan reveals why the end of Brookside in November will be like losing an old friend. By Rachel Murphy". Daily Mirror. (Trinity Mirror via The Free Library). Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Breaking up Close companions". The Northern Echo. (Newsquest). 16 June 2003. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Brookside homes to be auctioned". bbc.co.uk. (BBC). 16 December 2008. Retrieved 4 August 2010.
  4. ^ Metro.co.uk, Amy Duncan for (28 January 2016). "Where are the stars of Brookside now and who could return?". Metro. Retrieved 20 December 2016.
  5. ^ "EastEnders cleans up soap awards". BBC. 27 May 2000. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
  6. ^ Welsh, James (16 May 2002). "British Soap Awards 2002: Nominations". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  7. ^ "Winners of the Soap Awards". CBBC. (BBC). 11 May 2003. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
  8. ^ "Who is Soaps' Greatest Legend?". What's on TV. IPC Media. Archived from the original on 5 December 2012. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  9. ^ "Whatever happened to the stars of 80s TV? - Jimmy Corkhill (Brookside)". Virginmedia.com. (Virgin Media Inc.). Archived from the original on 1 April 2009. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
  10. ^ "Win Jimmy Corkhill's denim shirt". The Guardian. (Guardian Media Group). 3 November 2003. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
  11. ^ Faragher, Emma (25 March 2004). "Dean Sullivan pays tribute to businesses of the region". Northwest Regional Development Agency. Archived from the original on 1 October 2011. Retrieved 4 August 2010.
  12. ^ Kennedy, Paul (16 July 2010). "Brookside stars back campaign for a Best of Brookie DVD". Click Liverpool. (Click Creative). Archived from the original on 19 January 2013. Retrieved 4 August 2010.
  13. ^ Reeves, Vic (2007). Shooting Stars - Brookside (FLV) (Television production). Channel 4. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
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