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Celebrating Crossroads 2001 – The second series of ITV’s hotel soap from Carlton Television |
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CROSSROADS: EARLY PRODUCTION DOCUMENTS – VERSION 2 |
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We have already looked at some of the very early suggestions for a new version of Crossroads on THIS PAGE.
Here we present yet another version of the show in which characters and settings are stating to become more familiar.
There are still many noticeable differences between these ideas and the eventual programme which make for interesting reading. |
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CROSSROADS |
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Just outside Birmingham, on the A3400 towards Strafford-upon-Avon, and a mile from the M40, is the Warwickshire village of King’s Oak.
King’s Oak is well known across the Midlands for one thing, and one thing only…
…CROSSROADS
In 1964 Meg Richardson opened the Crossroads Motel and for seventeen years was its mainstay. After she emigrated, her daughter Jill Chance inherited the business and ran it for a further seven years before ultimately leaving her husband and the motel to elope with her lover to the West Country.
For thirteen years Crossroads had a chequered existence, changing hands several times. It was bought by Hawk Properties in 1998 and underwent a complete rebuild.
Welcome to CROSSROADS 2001…
ILLUSTRATION – CROSSRODADS 2001 (Not included in document)
CROSSROADS has come a long way since the days of Meg Richardson. With its lounge bar, health spa, swimming pool and conference facilities, it’s a far cry from those modest beginnings.
From a golden wedding anniversary to a corporate conference CROSSROADS is a hotel for everyone – businessmen, locals, tourists and the young people of King’s Oak who regularly meet in the terrace café.
Behind the scenes of this busy, thriving hotel, is a close-knit community. And CROSSROADS is home from home, particularly for the kids in their first job. More than this it’s a family – from the teenage waitress to the 55 year old porter.
At the head of this family is Kate Russell…
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Kate Russell (44) – General Manager “Maybe tomorrow I’ll have a day off” Kate started with nothing. A single mother from Kent with two young children she battled her way up from the laundry room to the boardroom in hotels across the country. She’s been Manager at CROSSROADS for 18 months, stamping her personality on every aspect of the hotel. Kate likes things her way and she’s usually right, but she’s fair and protective of her staff. Sometimes too far… Kate’s a particular favourite amongst her younger staff because she’s aware that for some “Mrs. Russell” is the closet thing they have to a parent. Kate’s the mum all your friends wish were theirs. She’s young at heart and likes a good laugh. Although she longs for a man in her life, men have always caused her trouble. Her son Mark is no exception… Mark Russell (21) – Trainee Manager “I could sack you for that” Mark divides his time between the hotel and college, or so he says. He is his mother’s weak spot. His great talent is taking the credit for other people’s hard graft. Most of the staff think he’s a fool – but a powerful one. Because of this he sees any female staff member as fair game. Only this time her husband’s a 6ft 5’ fitness instructor. Nicola, his sister is nothing like him… Nicola Russell (12) “Not until I’ve done my homework” Nicola is far too serious for her age. She’s sometimes over-protective of her mum, whom she’d love to see happy. It’s every kid’s dream to live in a hotel but the heartache of adolescence and first love is the same everywhere. And Nicola will surprise herself and a few others – not to mention her mum – at her 13th birthday party. Kate and her family live in a private apartment in the hotel behind Reception… ILLUSTRATION – RECEPTION (Not included in document) |
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Alistair Booth (39) – Assistant General Manager “Good morning, troops!” Alistair is Kate’s right hand man and makes Upstairs Downstairs’ Mr. Hudson look sloppy. He was bought up in a strict Presbyterian family and is the quintessential Front of House man. He never forgets a face and has the solution to practically everything. Single Alistair is a very private man whose personal life is a closed book to his colleagues. He is dry and immaculate, but doesn’t take much persuading to don his kilt and lead the dancing and he’s rather good at it. Alistair lives in the hotel in his private quarters, where people disturb him at their peril. When Alistair becomes aware of Kate’s precarious position at CROSSROADS its anyone’s guess whose side he’s on… Virginia Raven (30) – Senior Receptionist “My name’s Virginia, not Ginny and when I’m running this hotel…” Virginia is a glamorous manipulator with a raging ambition. Six years ago she got engaged to Tony Saunders (29) thinking he was going places. Virginia and Tony are both from Birmingham and live together in a flat in King’s Oak. Tony, an accountant, does the hotel’s books. Sadly he is going nowhere and Virginia is on the lookout for someone more suited to her ambitions. She dreams of having a five page spread in Hello. And with corporate conference guests arriving on a daily basis, Virginia is spoilt for choice… Britney Atkins (23) – Junior Receptionist “There’s always someone worse off than yourself” Britney is sweet natured but not the brightest star in the firmament. Brought up on a council estate in Hackney, Britney has a weakness for weak men. She left home and school as soon as she possibly could. Hereby lies the real story – Britney’s not quite all she seems and her name’s not Britney either… |
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Roger ‘Rocky’ Wesson (55) – Head Porter “I’m always on the job” Rocky hasn’t actually carried a suitcase since 1987. He has appointed himself as CROSSROADS’ Head of Security. While he’s on his ‘rounds’ the other porters do the real work. There’s nothing Rocky likes more than his own anecdotes – in which he’s always the hero. He ‘solves’ a lot of the hotel’s little mysteries by using CCTV. According to Rocky, he’s got a married woman back home in Liverpool but lives in the hotel. His best friend is his Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rocky II, who he claims is the hotel’s guard dog and hence tries to claim his dog food on expense. Rocky’s the eyes and ears of CROSSROADS. Unfortunately… Philip Berry (15) – Porter “It’s been tough but I’m alright now” Phil’s run away from a violent home in Bristol. Cocky on the surface, Phil’s still just a fragile kid and CROSSROADS is his home now. Phil’s burning ambition is to join the Army but he’s too young (something he’s kept a secret). Phil got the job at CROSSROADS by lying about his age. He said he was 17 but is really 15, although no-one has found out yet. But Nicola Russell has always been really good at maths… Phil looks up to Ray Dobbs, CROSSROADS’ Head Barman in the Lounge Bar… ILLUSTRATION – LOUNGE BAR (Not included in document) |
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Further Parts of this document will be available soon |
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This website is unofficial and not connected to Carlton TV in any way. Certain images are copyright of Carlton TV and must not be copied or reproduced elsewhere without their express permission. |
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