Paul Collins (Brookside)

Paul Collins
Brookside character
Portrayed by	Jim Wiggins
Duration	1982–1990
First appearance	2 November 1982
Last appearance	25 June 1990
Classification	Former; regular
Created by	Phil Redmond
In-universe information Occupation Factory production manager Wife Annabelle Harvey Sons Gordon Collins Daughters Lucy Collins

Paul Collins is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Jim Wiggins. One of the show's original characters, Paul debuted during the episode broadcast on 2 November 1982. Wiggins was cast by Brookside creator Phil Redmond and Janet Goddard. Paul is introduced as the husband of Annabelle Collins (Doreen Sloane) and father to Gordon Collins (Nigel Crowley) and Lucy Collins (Katrin Cartlidge). Paul is characterised as an unlucky character who has been made redundant from a lucrative management role. He is forced to move to a small house on Brookside Close and change his lifestyle. Writers made him appear as a product of a different generation and an ex-army officer who had a sense of discipline instilled in him. Wiggins has described Paul as "aloof" and "conservative", which made viewers unsympathetic to his plight.

Paul's stories include dealing with unemployment, depression and his son's homosexuality. He also contends with Lucy's wayward behaviour and a feud with Annabelle's mother, Mona Harvey (Margaret Clifton). Writers portrayed the Collins marriage as a troubled one resulting in Annabelle having an affair with Brian Lawrence (Vincent Maguire). Paul forgives Annabelle and they get along better in the final stories. Producers decided to write out the entire Collins family following the death of Sloane in 1990. Paul's final storyline featured him and Annabelle moving to Lake District and opening a guest house. Paul last appeared during the episode broadcast on 25 June 1990.