Billy Corkhill

Billy Corkhill
Brookside character
Portrayed by	John McArdle
Duration	1985–1990
First appearance	27 August 1985
Last appearance	21 September 1990
Created by	Phil Redmond
In-universe information Other names William Corkhill Occupation Electrician Factory worker Father Frank Corkhill Mother Margaret Corkhill Brothers Jimmy Corkhill Frankie Corkhill Wife Doreen Brogan (until 1990) Sheila Grant (1990–) Sons Rod Corkhill Daughters Tracy Corkhill Stepsons Barry Grant Stepdaughters Karen Grant Claire Grant Nephews Jimmy Corkhill Jr. William Corkhill Nieces Lindsey Corkhill First cousins Don Corkhill

Billy Corkhill is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by John McArdle. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 27 August 1985. Billy was introduced as part of the show's new family, the Corkhills, consisting of Billy, his wife Doreen Corkhill (Kate Fitzgerald) and their teenage children Rod (Jason Hope) and Tracy Corkhill (Justine Kerrigan). Billy is characterised as the reluctant husband of Doreen, an aspiring woman who wants the Corkhills to own their own home. Her mission to present a good image for the family is marred by her secret spending which gets the family into debt. Writers explored their debt issues throughout Billy's early tenure. They portrayed him as desperate to provide, tampering with the electricity and committing fraud with the help of his brother Jimmy Corkhill (Dean Sullivan).

Writers portrayed Billy having a mental breakdown in which he drives his car over his neighbours' front gardens. McArdle has said it was his favourite storyline as Billy. Doreen's over spending and Billy's crime of armed robbery eventually end their marriage. Producers then paired the character with Sheila Grant (Sue Johnston) and they later marry. Doreen returned to the series but Billy decides to remain loyal to Sheila. Billy was well received by viewers, especially for his representation of unemployed men in British society during the 1980s. Television critics have praised on McArdle's portrayal of Billy. Allan Crow from Fife Today branded Billy a "legendary soap character" and Andrew Bullock from the Daily Express opined that McArdle was an "integral" cast member "in Brookside's heyday". The character also became subjected to controversy when the Independent Broadcasting Authority investigated Brookside after an episode depicted Billy holding durex condoms. The regulator later retracted their complaint and praised the show.