By Owen Quinn author photo copyright Owen Quinn
Sometimes when you go to a convention, you have a list of celebrities in mind you want to meet and get stuff signed but sometimes, you end up talking to a celebrity that you never expected to interact with.
And that’s exactly what happened on 6th September 2025 out at the Eikon Centre. I had four Doctor Whos to meet, a companion, a Walking Dead actor , all signing comics and Highlander and Tarzan actor Christopher Lambert but he cancelled last minute.
Among the guests was Ricky Tomlinson.
I was always a huge fan of Brookside, a british soap opera that was cancelled by the powers that be to make way for cheaper reality shows. Brookside broke the mould with its storylines and acting e.g the first lesbian kiss and the body under the patio story. Ricky played Bobby Grant who was married to Sheila played by Sue Johnston. They went through the mill and quickly became fan favourites.
They would go on to star together in the comedy The Royle Family which again became a huge and much loved hit. They were pure magic.
He was there beside a replica set of the Royle family living room.
I was in my wheelchair that day due to an injury so was wheeling about, getting my bearings. Ricky was there in his Jim Royle shirt and waved at me as I passed. I immediately was transported back to Brookside Close. Later, I saw him on his own so went over ebcause I had to tell him how much I loved Brookside.
Well, what a gent.
There are no airs or graces with Ricky. He is so down to earth and open. He’s a gabbler and we chatted away about Brookside and how good it was. I knew they were filming a crossover with Hollyoaks and we spoke about that. He was excited at coming back and said the storylines were going to be amazing. We spoke about Liverpool celebrities which I can’t revral and Paul O’Grady. He adored Paul and said he was what you saw on screen. He talked about growing up in Liverpool and the old houses. So engrossed were we that we turned round and saw a huge queue had formed. Hastily, I got my photo with him. I love surprises like that when you meet someone that you can chat to as if you had always known them.
Ricky is 85 years of age and still as sharp as a pin. I will never forget that meeting as long as I live. It genuinely touched me and I was so glad I took the chance and went over to chat. As I write this Brookside is about to hit our screens again. Bobby and Sheila are back and it’s about time.
Hat’s off to you Ricky. You made a lot more fans that weekend in Lisburn than you realise. A pleasure.
The Time Warriors and Beyond 