HISTORY

Crossroads first appeared on our screens in 1964 and became Britain's first daily TV soap. Set on the outskirts of Birmingham, it was originally scheduled for only 13 weeks. Infamous for wooden acting and wobbly sets, its sensational storylines helped to enthrall millions of viewers and the show eventually ran for an impressive 24 years.

Popular characters included Jill Harvey (Jane Rossington), who spoke the opening line in the very first episode of the original series and Benny (Paul Henry), the loveable handyman. For most of its life though, Crossroads was dominated by Meg Richardson (Noele Gordon) who wed businessman Hugh Mortimer in 1975.

In 1981, the hotel dramatically burned down, but was resurrected and then taken over by Gabrielle Drake in 1985 and given a facelift and a new name - Crossroads Kings Oak.

The show commanded a loyal following and throughout the seventies, it attracted up to 16 million viewers, peaking at 17.6 million in 1978. In 1976, Noele Gordon was voted Favourite Female Personality at the TV Times Awards for the seventh year running. Later on, in 1981, when news leaked out of major changes to Crossroads, (including the axing of Gordon), thousands wrote to Central Television to complain, and the Sun launched a 'Save Our Meg' campaign!

However, in 1988, after 4,510 episodes, the audience had declined and the decision was taken to axe the show, although it was still watched by over 13 million people.

Even with the absence of Crossroads from our screens for the past 12 years, the show has continued to have a place in the hearts and minds those who worked on the show and, of course, its millions of fans. News of its return has been met with delight and along with new faces and a revamped hotel, the show will see the return of some of its most popular characters - Tony Adams as Adam Chance, Kathy Staff as Doris Luke and Jane Rossington as Jill Harvey.