Episode 500 (Brookside)

Episode 500 of the British television soap opera Brookside was first broadcast on Channel 4 on 11 August 1987. The episode was written by Frank Cottrell-Boyce and directed by Peter Boisseau. The plot mainly focuses on the wedding between Jonathan Gordon-Davies (Steven Pinner) and Laura Wright (Jane Cunliffe). It also has a sub-plot featuring Billy Corkhill (John McArdle) preparing to participate in an armed robbery and using the wedding reception for his alibi. His wife, Doreen Corkhill (Kate Fitzgerald) tries to uncover Billy's plans which leads to an argument. The wedding ceremony was filmed on location at a real Merseyside church. Cunliffe and Pinner were styled in traditional wedding attire. Cunliffe found the experience of filming a wedding a "weird" experience. Episode 500 formed part of Brookside and Mersey Television's fifth anniversary week celebrations. The episode also received new titles and end credits. The episode was well received by television critics with Laura and Jonathan's wedding storyline gaining favour. The episode was chosen in several newspapers "pick of the week" features.