Brookside: Season 7
Season 7 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Brookside Season 6.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 7 Progress Shield
Episode 541 - The Gift Of Life
Jan 4, 1988 · 30 min
Laura's life-support machine is turned off. Ralph finds out that Harry is going to be on the panel interviewing him for membership of the Commonwealth and Empire Club.
Episode 542 - Pertinent Questions
Jan 5, 1988 · 30 min
Bobby resents Sheila's studying. Jonathan has to face the inquest into Laura's death, and decides to lie in order to prevent her parents from discovering the truth.
Episode 543 - Ways And Means
Jan 11, 1988 · 30 min
Paul feels that Chris has overstayed his welcome. Terry and Annabelle are surprised by the way Jonathan is behaving following Laura's cremation.
Episode 544 - Moral Judgements
Jan 12, 1988 · 30 min
Jonathan invites Terry to go on a holiday with him. Growler is driving everyone up the wall. Annabelle has an embarrassing experience involving a man in a rusty old car. Harry's ec
Episode 545 - Contraflow
Jan 18, 1988 · 30 min
Terry tests the power and effectiveness of Jonathan's cordless telephone, and invites Sue round to help him fill in his taxi licence application form. Gordon is jealous that Chris
Episode 546 - Rearranging
Jan 19, 1988 · 30 min
Annabelle receives a letter from Mona asking for help. Frank's chances of getting a new job take a turn for the worse. Gordon feels that Paul will never understand him.
Episode 547 - Paperwork
Jan 25, 1988 · 30 min
Bobby thinks he has done a good turn, but Sheila doesn't react in the way he expects. Paul is surprised to find that Annabelle is willing to give Terry a reference. Growler and Bum
Episode 548 - Hoping For.......
Jan 26, 1988 · 30 min
Annabelle is disappointed with Paul's attitude to the new neighbours, and he fails to prevent her from giving Terry another reference. Bobby can't seem to put a foot right with She
Episode 549 - I'm Keeping It
Feb 1, 1988 · 30 min
Paul's mug is broken, so he doesn't let Gordon watch "The Magic Rabbits". Chrissy receives a letter from the school about Sammy's coat. Brian comes to Annabelle's aid when her car
Episode 550 - Someone To Blame
Feb 2, 1988 · 30 min
Billy is on the spot when Tracy wants to know all about Doreen and his involvement in crime. When Jamie needs money, he finds a surprisingly easy way of earning it on the Close. A
Episode 551 - Sorry, Sorry, Sorry
Feb 8, 1988 · 30 min
Bobby appears in court on the drink-driving charge, and is fined £150. He and Barry go for a drink together, and forget to bring something home....... Annabelle receives another st
Episode 552 - School Rules
Feb 9, 1988 · 30 min
Chrissy confronts Sammy's headmistress, and is determined to make Frank's company keep to their word. The Corkhills' becomes a haven for waifs and strays.
Episode 553 - Venison
Feb 15, 1988 · 30 min
Gordon makes an unexpected return to the Close - in an ambulance. Jamie is a victim of Rod's dedication to his police work, and when Jimmy is left to handle the food supply at numb
Episode 554 - Pancakes
Feb 16, 1988 · 30 min
All of a sudden, both Paul and Annabelle are keen to visit Mona. Harry realises that he has to take action now that there is a vacant committee post.
Episode 555 - Comradeship
Feb 22, 1988 · 30 min
Jimmy's mistress, Kathy, arrives at the Corkhills'. Harry and Ralph are both urgently seeking sponsors. Paul refuses to ring Chris on Gordon's behalf.
Episode 556 - Our Grandchild
Feb 23, 1988 · 30 min
Mr McGrath brings news about Debbie to the Grants, and ends up being thrown out of the house. Chris is amused to find Gordon looking like something out of "Doctor Who". Mona turns
Episode 557 - Elected
Feb 29, 1988 · 30 min
Harry employs below-the-belt tactics in his bid to be elected to the committee after his sponsor realises he has been conned. Jamie tries to convince Billy to allow him to move in
Episode 558 - Speechless
Mar 1, 1988 · 30 min
There is an unexpected setback for Harry during his inaugural anti-women speech at the Commonwealth and Empire Club. Mona is in a bad way. Jimmy has an ingenious solution to the Co
Episode 559 - Knocking Through
Mar 7, 1988 · 30 min
Bobby has bad news for Sheila. Ralph decides to build a model of the Close. Jamie is woken up by the sound of holes being drilled all around him.
Episode 560 - Lives Wasted
Mar 8, 1988 · 30 min
Bobby throws some hurtful allegations at Sheila, and they both seek solace in their own way. Terry makes a rash decision when he hears of Sue's resignation. Tracy and Jamie move ou
Episode 561 - Commonwealth Day
Mar 14, 1988 · 30 min
Ralph's entertainment for Commonwealth Day at the Commonwealth and Empire Club doesn't quite fit the bill, but there's somebody around to save the day.
Episode 562 - Kidnapped
Mar 15, 1988 · 30 min
Betty has an issue that she wants Harry to bring up at his first committee meeting. Terry is dubious about Barry's latest proposition. Chris and Gordon kidnap Mona.
Episode 563 - Convinced
Mar 21, 1988 · 30 min
Terry makes a friend on holiday, while Jonathan finds it harder to cope. Paul receives unexpected assistance in his investigation of the care home. Billy discovers that Tracy has g
Episode 564 - Out Of Order
Mar 22, 1988 · 30 min
Billy finds Jimmy's stolen loot. Jonathan feels that his spirits are too low for a holiday. Terry takes his chances on the piste. Harry and Ralph try to raise the possibility of ad
Episode 565 - Living With Guilt
Mar 28, 1988 · 30 min
Barry is caught in the act, and Sheila tears a strip off Billy. Terry finds that ice-skating is just as difficult as skiing, and while he and Donna watch a dancing display, Jonatha
Episode 566 - Old Mates
Mar 29, 1988 · 30 min
Rod goes to London to search for Tracy. Donna drops a bombshell. Billy wonders whether his children would prefer to be with their mother. There's a surprise awaiting Kathy when she
Episode 567 - Pull The Other One
Apr 4, 1988 · 30 min
The trail for Tracy goes dead for Rod and Jamie. Billy discovers he can't even count on Jimmy to be dishonest. Chrissy wonders where Growler got his football.
Episode 568 - Holiday Friendships
Apr 5, 1988 · 30 min
Rod returns from London, but his news isn't good. Bobby receives a tip-off about the effects of automation. Sue's nose is out of joint when she finds out how popular Terry is with
Episode 569 - Sights
Apr 11, 1988 · 30 min
Barry and Sinbad show Cheryl and Donna the sights of Liverpool. Tracy returns from London, and Billy is all set to have a go at her. Frank gets a shock when he discovers he has los
Episode 570 - Held
Apr 12, 1988 · 30 min
Following the theft of Frank's articulated lorry, he is interrogated by the police and his home is thoroughly searched. Growler fears that the stolen football will be found.
Episode 571 - Costing
Apr 18, 1988 · 30 min
Frank's story is not believed, Sheila seeks spiritual guidance, Bobby agrees to contribute his wages to the strike fund, and Barry receives a tip-off about his trees. Tracy tries t
Episode 572 - Someone To Talk To
Apr 19, 1988 · 30 min
Bobby has a big decision to make as a strike seems possible at a factory. Sheila visits a marriage guidance counsellor.
Episode 573 - Serious Misconduct
Apr 25, 1988 · 30 min
Things look bad for Frank as he faces a discliplinary hearing. There are revelations in the post for Bobby, an awkward customer for Sinbad, and an unexpected question for Sue......
Episode 574 - Expert Opinion
Apr 26, 1988 · 30 min
Both Bobby and Sheila realise that they have been somewhat economical with the truth. Terry delegates the choice of Jonathan's wallpaper to Sue, and the decorating itself to Sinbad
Episode 575 - Clubbing It
May 2, 1988 · 30 min
Kathy doesn't make Jimmy welcome when he returns to the Close, and she and Sheila decide to go out to a nightclub. When Tracy isn't available, Billy has to look after Claire.
Episode 576 - Sexual Chemistry
May 3, 1988 · 30 min
Sheila and Kathy's night out has an unpleasant ending, and Paul also gets a shock.
Episode 577 - Retaliation
May 9, 1988 · 30 min
Barry replaces the broken glass in Billy's door, then Bobby smashes it again. Paul wants to confront Gordon and Chris, but he has forgotten that it is Annabelle's birthday.
Episode 578 - Rain Forest
May 10, 1988 · 30 min
Gordon and Chris consider buying a home together, and Chris has an idea about where the deposit might come from. Jonathan tries to find out who planted a rain forest in his back ga
Episode 579 - Absenteeism
May 16, 1988 · 30 min
Barry offers financial help to his parents, but Sheila wonders where he is getting the money from. Tracy is behaving very mysteriously. Harry is annoyed to discover than Ralph has
Episode 580 - No Splits
May 17, 1988 · 30 min
There's a crisis in the factory, and Bobby is nowhere to be found, so Sheila has to cover up. Gordon and Chris receive a letter from the building society. Barry finds he must do so
Episode 581 - Serious Words
May 23, 1988 · 30 min
Harry's gnomes are disappearing again. Bobby's whereabouts are still a mystery to George. Jonathan's boss has a few stern words with him.
Episode 582 - Surprising Answers
May 24, 1988 · 30 min
Paul is in a panic over Mona and her money. Jonathan needs to find a missing paragraph. Harry catches the gnome-napper red-handed.
Episode 583 - Get Them Down
May 30, 1988 · 30 min
The Grants' house goes up for sale. The Collins' glass door is the next to be smashed to pieces, and Jamie is caught with his trousers down.
Episode 584 - Desert Rats
May 31, 1988 · 30 min
Jonathan takes a chance to dig deeper in search of the missing paragraph, and Paul prepares his speech. Chrissy is keen to see the model Growler claims to have made.
Episode 585 - Mind Your Backs
Jun 6, 1988 · 30 min
Growler deceives Chrissy. Despite Betty's protests, Paul goes ahead with his D-Day speech. Gordon and Chris enjoy a night out, but the aftermath is not as pleasant.
Episode 586 - No Contest
Jun 7, 1988 · 30 min
Gordon and Chris are charged. Sue and Terry's quiet night is interrupted. Sizzler explains what he requires Barry to do.
Episode 587 - Insight
Jun 13, 1988 · 30 min
Jonathan tries to write a letter of apology, until Terry convinces him that he shouldn't bother. On the morning of Jamie's interview, he finds hiself asleep on the lawn. Sue repays
Episode 588 - Leaning
Jun 14, 1988 · 30 min
Jonathan makes yet another attempt to prove that the missing paragraph was not his fault.
Episode 589 - Now We Know
Jun 20, 1988 · 30 min
Sue joins Jonathan in his detective work. Jimmy's gift of a carpet is not appreciated. Kirsty is furious when a set of cufflinks mysteriously turns into something else.
Episode 590 - Big Smile.......
Jun 21, 1988 · 30 min
Growler and Bumper get themselves into deeper trouble when they show Ralph's model to their teacher. The mystery of the packet found in Rod's jacket continues.
Episode 591 - No Wazzocks
Jun 27, 1988 · 30 min
Ralph gets a surprise when he takes a look at the local newspaper. Jonathan asks Terry to help arrange a barbecue, and Matty plays host to an annoying potential housebuyer.
Episode 592 - Early Retirement
Jun 28, 1988 · 30 min
Barry takes Penny to a hotel, but their passion doesn't go unrecorded. Bumper and Growler retrieve the model, but leave behind some incriminating evidence. Jonathan gives a barbecu
Episode 593 - The Last Pancake
Jul 4, 1988 · 30 min
Sheila returns from Basingstoke with news for Barry. Sammy is feeling off-colour, and Chrissy suspects that something may be really wrong.
Episode 594 - Business Is Business
Jul 5, 1988 · 30 min
Chrissy discovers an article on teenage pregnancy Sammy has been reading and becomes more worried. Things may be about to hot up between Billy and Kathy.
Episode 595 - Dirty Insinuations
Jul 11, 1988 · 30 min
The relationship between Billy and Kathy is much talked-about. When a scarf is shown around the school, some people recognise it.
Episode 596 - Common Interest
Jul 12, 1988 · 30 min
Jimmy apologises for casting aspersions while under the influence, but Kathy is not impressed. Growler's absence is causing concern. Penny insists that Barry retrieves the videotap
Episode 597 - You Know Something
Jul 18, 1988 · 30 min
The police The police shock Chrissy and Frank. Sue wants Barry to return the money she gave him.Chrissy and Frank. Sue wants Barry to return the money she gave him.
Episode 598 - No Bumpy Roads!
Jul 19, 1988 · 30 min
Frank and Chrissy steel themselves to expect the worst. Terry has a nightmare experience at the wheel of his taxi.
Episode 599 - Hello, Mum
Jul 25, 1988 · 30 min
Growler's disappearance brings back memories of Damon for Sheila, while Frank and Chrissy are blaming each other. Terry continues to have a hard time, and a wanderer returns.
Episode 600 - Remember That?
Jul 26, 1988 · 30 min
The Rogers' holiday doesn't start off very well. Jamie has an unfortunate encounter. Sheila is beginning to have doubts about her course - can she regain the confidence she needs?
Episode 601 - Just The Start
Aug 1, 1988 · 30 min
The Collins family are receiving some frightening phonecalls, then things turn violent. Annabelle makes it clear just how far she is prepared to go with Brian.
Episode 602 - Not The Same
Aug 3, 1988 · 30 min
Sue tells Terry what she has done for him, but will his male pride be able to accept it? Paul and Annabelle settle Mona in her new home - but while they are away, the mysterious wh
Episode 603 - Calling Card
Aug 8, 1988 · 30 min
Penny fears for Barry's life if he insists on playing the tough guy. Paul doesn't know what he is letting himself in for when he tries to provoke a reaction from the thugs. As Rod
Episode 604 - Congratulations, Harry
Aug 10, 1988 · 30 min
The burnt-out car is still on the Close, and the callers are on the line again. Harry, however, has some good news to celebrate.
Episode 605 - Following Through
Aug 15, 1988 · 30 min
Paul tries to enlist help from his neighbours when the thugs threaten to return, but no-one seems to be willing, and there are ugly scenes when they turn up. Jonathan and Sarah fly
Episode 606 - Resistance
Aug 17, 1988 · 30 min
The solidarity of the Close sees off the queer-bashers, but there's a price to pay. Jonathan reveals to Sarah that his next destination is not Liverpool.......
Episode 607 - Called In
Aug 22, 1988 · 30 min
Rod becomes involved in an allegation of police brutality. When the Corkhills don't confer with Jamie on what to get Tracy for her birthday, the results are obvious. Annabelle is s
Episode 608 - She's Forgotten
Aug 24, 1988 · 30 min
Sheila leaves the Close, declining a farewell drink with Kathy. Sizzler has a job for Barry to do in return for the tape. It is Tracy's 18th birthday, but there is no card from Dor
Episode 609 - Shaking
Aug 29, 1988 · 30 min
All Jamie's endeavours at the Job Club come to nothing. Annabelle refuses to go out with Paul because she has other plans. Jonathan is put in a difficult position, in more ways tha
Episode 610 - Taking Off
Aug 31, 1988 · 30 min
It's rehearsal time for Cheryl's wedding, but there is a surprise in store for her. Chrissy blames Growler for leaving the bath in a mess - until the true culprit arrives, wanting
Episode 611 - After All I've Said!
Sep 5, 1988 · 30 min
Sizzler has another job for Barry, but this one involves something gruesome. Annabelle has some secret plans for a weekend away. There are a few problems for the Rogers family on t
Episode 612 - The Condemned Dog
Sep 7, 1988 · 30 min
Barry has to decide whether to follow Sizzler's instructions and kill Ma Johnson's dog. Frank decides that it is time to take some direct action, as Growler has been bunking off ag
Episode 613 - All Arranged
Sep 12, 1988 · 30 min
Paul is surprised when Annabelle insists on going to her conference. Barry tries to make Ma Johnson see sense. Harry aims to maximise his chances of a committee victory, and a hous
Episode 614 - Surprise, Surprise
Sep 14, 1988 · 30 min
Annabelle's liaisons with Brian don't go entirely unnoticed. Sammy and Growler both have medical appointments, Jonathan is reunited with Cheryl, and Barry and Penny are appalled wh
Episode 615 - Knived
Sep 19, 1988 · 30 min
Sheila returns to the Close and finds Barry trying to recover from his break-up with Penny. The second part of Operation Hickory doesn't go as planned for Rod.
Episode 616 - Conflabs
Sep 21, 1988 · 30 min
Frank has a series of confrontations, some more successful than others. Harry has a decision to make, and knows who he has to consult first. Cheryl has her interview, but is too ne
Episode 617 - Up For Sale
Sep 26, 1988 · 30 min
Harry's romantic tea with Betty is interrupted by an unwelcome guest. Kathy visits Sheila, and can't believe what she finds.
Episode 618 - You Can't Stay Here
Sep 28, 1988 · 30 min
Harry has an offer on the house, and Sammy starts her new job. Tracy's work situation doesn't get any better, but there's a comforting arm close at hand.
Episode 619 - In The Way
Oct 3, 1988 · 30 min
Cheryl settles into her new home, but Sue is worried about Terry's feelings. The contracts are exchanged on the Grants' house, leaving Barry homeless.
Episode 620 - That Kind Of A Day
Oct 5, 1988 · 30 min
As Jonathan is about to head out for a night on the town with Cheryl, he drops his car keys down a drain. There is a birthday surprise for Billy.
Episode 621 - Distracted
Oct 10, 1988 · 30 min
Sheila insists on paying for her keep, but for Billy there's no smoke without fire. Frank tries to find somewhere to hide a bicycle, while Rod's forgetfulness could have serious re
Episode 622 - A Hard Day
Oct 12, 1988 · 30 min
Rod's sergeant initiates a search for the purse that was handed in, so he needs to decide whether to confess. Gerrard is making life difficult for Tracy, and there is some devastat
Episode 623 - Absent Friends
Oct 17, 1988 · 30 min
Ralph employs undercover tactics to find out what Chrissy is up to. When Jimmy has an accident while cleaning the Collins' windows, he needs to lay his hands on a bathroom suite at
Episode 624 - Flooded
Oct 19, 1988 · 30 min
Frank decides that he is not going to stand for the post of shop steward, despite the protests. Barry turns the water back on at the Grants', with disastrous consequences.
Episode 625 - Busybodies
Oct 24, 1988 · 30 min
A chance comment made by Chrissy gets back to Ralph and causes offence. Paul and Annabelle are surprised when they see their new bathroom suite.
Episode 626 - Where Have You Been?
Oct 26, 1988 · 30 min
Paul becomes suspicious as to Annabelle's whereabouts and quizzes her when she returns. Kathy, meanwhile, wants to know where Linda is.
Episode 627 - Plan B
Oct 31, 1988 · 30 min
Jimmy has to extricate himself from the Grants', while Tracy is persuaded to meet up with Gerrard. Annabelle finds that she will have to go on her weekend away with Paul instead of
Episode 628 - Get Stuck In
Nov 2, 1988 · 30 min
Katie finds out that in the nativity play she will be playing a sheaf of corn instead of the Virgin Mary. Frank decides that it is time for new tactics over the toilets, and blocks
Episode 629 - Unblocked
Nov 7, 1988 · 30 min
Gordon is worried about his health as he begins to show the early warning symptoms of AIDS. Sheila discovers that Bobby has gone to Poland, and worries about her financial situatio
Episode 630 - Outmanoeuvred
Nov 9, 1988 · 30 min
Tracy is bonding with Nikki as a result of their mutual hatred of Gerrard. Sheila is bonding with Billy over money, but Kathy is stood up on a dinner date when he gets a better off
Episode 631 - A Positive Step
Nov 14, 1988 · 30 min
Gordon receives good news and resolves to turn over a new leaf. Kathy hopes that a new dress will help to lure Billy away from Linda.
Episode 632 - Don't Mention The War
Nov 16, 1988 · 30 min
Rod faces a police enquiry, Kathy adopts a new ploy to win Billy, Gordon reads a disturbing rumour on his first day at work, and no-one mentions the war.
Episode 633 - Bitter Thoughts
Nov 21, 1988 · 30 min
Sue has to explain her reaction to Martin, and Terry doesn't find her explanation entirely convincing. Sheila has to face the anniversary of Damon's death alone.
Episode 634 - So What?
Nov 23, 1988 · 30 min
Gordon confronts Brian over what he is up to with Annabelle, and is surprised by his reaction. Kathy enlists Julia's help to get rid of Linda.
Episode 635 - Ex Nihilo Nihil
Nov 28, 1988 · 30 min
Kathy and Julia's cunning plans turns out not to be cunning enough. Gerrard returns from his holiday, determined to convince Tracy to go out with him. Katie is upset because Growle
Episode 636 - Arabs
Nov 30, 1988 · 30 min
Harry is expecting a family of Arabian brain surgeons to move into his house, but is about to be disappointed. Julia is causing conflict.
Episode 637 - Ticklish
Dec 5, 1988 · 30 min
The furniture is getting on top of Harry, and Gerrard is getting Tracy down. Terry looks for a partnership, while Sheila looks for somewhere else to live.
Episode 638 - A Lot To Learn
Dec 7, 1988 · 30 min
Brian thinks that Gordon lacks motivation. As they await Doreen's return, Billy and Rod argue. Tracy confides in Sheila, and Terry receives an offer.
Episode 639 - Perestroika
Dec 12, 1988 · 30 min
Tracy tells Gerrard to back off, and there is bad news for Billy as Julia confesses to telling a lie. Rod's superintendent tries to persuade him to reveal more about Operation Hick
Episode 640 - Deceived
Dec 14, 1988 · 30 min
Gordon learns a few tricks and makes a sale. Brian and Annabelle get their cover-stories mixed up, and Rod is confronted about his lost trousers.
Episode 641 - Cuddly Seals
Dec 19, 1988 · 30 min
Barry and Sinbad enter a Christmas venture together, but it gets off to a slow start. Billy receives a card and a note from Doreen. Sheila and Julia argue.
Episode 642 - Sacked
Dec 21, 1988 · 30 min
Terry sees something disturbing at a wine-bar, and Tracy gets the sack. Paul discovers Brian's Christmas present to Annabelle. When Ralph receives some bad news, Barry and Sinbad n
Episode 643 - Stuffed
Dec 26, 1988 · 30 min
It is a rowdy Christmas Day at the Corkhills', and there is a surprise arrival. Chrissy has a theory about Growler's problem, while Frank is called into work. Sue tries to convince
Episode 644 - So Proud
Dec 27, 1988 · 30 min
As Christmas Day continues, Billy dishes out the rosaries, and makes a major admission about Doreen. Sinbad and Barry are breaking and entering, while Paul is a broken man.
Episode 645 - Nearly Finished
Dec 28, 1988 · 30 min
Tracy seeks help from the Citizens Advice Bureau, while Sheila consults a priest. Gordon tries to help reconcile Paul and Annabelle. A dramatic rescue is required, and Terry is the
Episode 646 - My House Is Your House
Dec 29, 1988 · 30 min
Jonathan wants to pay his dues, and Sheila is saying her goodbyes, as Sinbad and Barry continue to hunt for the missing seals.
Episode 647 - Party Time
Dec 30, 1988 · 30 min
It's New Year on the Close, and a particularly subdued one for the Collins'. Sinbad has something for Ralph, and Barry's scheming causes Kirsty and Rod to be apart as 1989 arrives.