Brookside was known for its controversial storylines and actress Helen O'Brien looks worlds away from her the character she portrayed on the controversial Channel 4 soap An actress who became well-known for her role in Brookside's shocking incest storyline is virtually unrecognisable almost three decades after the plot caused outrage amongst viewers. The iconic Channel 4 soap, which included Claire Sweeney of Coronation Street fame amongst its stars, came to a conclusion in November 2003. Having exited Brookside in 1997, Helen O'Brien pursued new opportunities on BBC One's Roger Roger.
The actress hailing from Hertfordshire then secured parts in celebrated series including Lewis, Midsomer Murders, Bad Girls and Cold Feet. Brother and sister Nat (John Sandford) and Georgia Simpson, played by Helen, horrified viewers with their antics that went well beyond the norms of sibling affection back in the day. Knowing full well they were related, the pair couldn't deny their mutual romantic feelings, leading them down a path many found hard to watch.
"We're adults, we love one another," Nat bravely confessed to his parents upon being discovered in bed with his older sister, reports the Mirror . The plot line turned out to be a step too far for certain audiences, causing a decline in viewer numbers as the siblings pursued an incestuous relationship, even drawing comments from Members of Parliament. Eventually, Brookside creator Phil Redmond acknowledged the error of going to such extre.