Years active. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Gordon was credited as the first woman to be seen on colour television sets,[3][4] as she took part, as a teenager, in John Logie Baird's world's first colour transmission on 3 July 1938. Joan Noele Gordon (25 December 1919 - 14 April 1985) was a British actor of Scottish descent and television presenter. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Susan married Radio 1 presenter Tommy Vance in the 60s, and then married former Move frontman Carl Wayne until his death in 2004. Roger Tonge (30 January 1946 26 February 1981) was a British actor. The plan was for Amy to be arrested for being a Soviet double agent, Amelia Turtleovski, but sadly it never appeared on screen. They won the jackpot. Independent Television Publications Ltd 1970, Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Roger_Tonge&oldid=1140554623, People educated at Lordswood Boys' School, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from September 2013, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 20 February 2023, at 16:35. Duration: 0:02:21. Where are the original Crossroads cast now? Noele Gordon - Wikipedia If you are wondering, "Who are the actors from Crossroads?" His numerous credits include the character of Flying Officer Archibald Ives in The Great Escape, and Shughie McFee in the television soap opera Crossroads. Where are the original Crossroads cast now? | TV & Radio - Express Lovable Crossroads legend Angus Lennie, who played cheeky chef, Shughie McFee. However, this high living meant she was often short of money. It peaked at no. or "Who starred on Crossroads?" Heather Jean Chasen, actor, born 20 July 1927; died 22 May 2020. [2], The slang phrase "throwing a benny" refers to someone having a temper tantrum and may originate from Henry's Crossroads character. Crossroads (TV Series 1964-1988) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Crossroads, later known as Crossroads Motel and Crossroads King's Oak, was an ITV soap opera that ran from 1964-1988, and was revived from 2001-2003. Crossroads, later known asCrossroads MotelandCrossroads King's Oak, was an ITV soap opera that ran from 1964-1988, and was revived from 2001-2003. The father-of-one died in March 1984, aged 88, after a fall at a home for retired actors. Born in 1930, Angus spent his early years in Glasgow, attending Eastbank Academy in the city. Benny went to peoples hearts and many spoke of his relationship with Diane [Susan Hanson], which worked because she was an established character whom the public loved. Something went wrong, please try again later. I keep in touch with Tony Adams [Adam Chance from Crossroads] and I hear from Susan. It would be great to be working again, but at the end of the day, Ive got a lovely family and they are the love of my life.. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Heather Chasen obituary | Soap opera | The Guardian Gordon never married. Company: ATV Master format: 16mm Description. Chasens 1949 marriage to John Webster ended in divorce. Whatever happened to Streets Of London singer Ralph McTell. In 1981, four years after The Navy Lark ended, Chasen appeared in Crossroads for the first time, in the role of a newspaper reporter for just one episode. David Fennell He starred in 298 episodes of Crossroads before moving on to The Bill and Inspector Morse. Actor: Crossroads. Anguss other film roles included appearances in 633 Squadron, Tunes of Glory and 1969 musical Oh! Alfred and Arthur Heineman proposed a chain of motor hotels, with the first on the side of the highway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Paul also set his sights on other avenues and purchased and ran a nightclub for a long time before his TV stints after Crossroads. She stayed with the show for a national tour. Where are they now? Benny from Crossroads - Express then this list will help you answer those questions. The actor from Sparkhill . Cleo was given the role by producer Reg Watson after press coverage of racial tensions in the Birmingham area at that time. As Valerie Pollard, she played a cheating wife whose conquests in the. Angus passed away in a nursing home in London on Sunday. Later, there was an inter-racial romance between garage mechanic Dennis Harper, played by Merlin Ward, and motel receptionist Meena Chaudri (Karan David). Tony went on to star in a stage production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, but largely stayed out of the spotlight. But while most big cities already had hotels, there wasnt much accommodation for motorists. Reg Watson, the producer, had already interviewed several actors for the part but was unsatisfied; after Tonge's audition, the producer offered him the role. With the increase in the number and popularity of cars, adventurous travellers were starting to take trips that previously were impossible. Bob Warman interview with the Crossroads producer Jack Barton who describes how Sandy's work schedule allowed him to spend . After this event, her mother and her aunt were keen for her to begin a stage career. Anthony W Morton, who made his name during three years' service in the motel kitchen during the mid-60s died after a short illness. In the 1940s, a stunning portrait of her was painted by Ella Mollo, with whom she conducted an affair while also sleeping with the artists Russian husband. The actress - best known for her role in hit ITV soap, Crossroads, was today being remembered by family and famous friends following her death on October 20. She is patron of the Crossroads Appreciation Society, a fan club for the show. David Moran. Then there was perhaps the most memorable character of all, village idiot Benny Hawkins, whose trademark was a woolly hat worn all year round. 39 in the UK Singles Chart in January 1978. His absence and death were mentioned in an episode of Crossroads between his character's mother Meg and sister Jill and again in the episode featuring Meg leaving for a new life on the QE2. The popular actor starred for nine years in the Midland soap and also took on a memorable role . She would, however, not return to television full-time because of her theatre commitments. The popular actor starred for nine years in the Midland soap and also took on a memorable role opposite Hollywood legend Steve McQueen in iconic war movie, The Great Escape. According to Denton, "I simply carried out the request of the Crossroads producer [Barton] to dismiss her. THE actor Paul Henry, who played Benny from Crossroads, has revealed how his grandfather was murdered by a Peaky Blinder. Lovable Crossroads legend Angus Lennie, who played cheeky chef, Shughie McFee. Doctors, The Sandbaggers, Crossroads Diane Keen (born 29 July 1946) is an English actress, who starred in the British TV drama Doctors in which she played Julia Parsons from 2003 to 2012. Melanie Harper, played by Cleo Sylvestre, arrived at the motel in 1970 as Megs foster daughter itself a taboo issue. The British actress is now 79 years old and she is married with two children. He also appeared as a bagpipe-playing innkeeper during several appearances in Dr Who and also featured in Keeping Up Appearances and Monarch of the Glen. In 2019, she won the Outstanding Achievement gong at the British Soap Awards. She may be best known for her long-running role (1979 to 1985) as Barbara Hunter ( ne Brady) in the British soap opera Crossroads and Cordelia Winfield in the ITC series The Baron . In 1975, I played a criminal in The Sweeney and while based at Birmingham Rep I shared a dressing room with actor Jon Rollason. Henry made a guest appearance on the Central Television game show Bullseye, presented by Jim Bowen, on 11 February, 1985. This permanent character development was made to accommodate actor Roger Tonge who had been developing increasing ill-health. Dont snigger but lovable Crossroads legend Angus Lennie, who played cheeky chef Shughie McFee, had previously starred opposite Hollywood legend Steve McQueen in iconic war movie The Great Escape. I met Sheila at The British Legion Club when I was working at Birmingham Rep and she was a hairdresser. In 2011, a nurse watching Corrie noticed a mole on Sue's shoulder and contacted the show to express her concerns. Where are the original Crossroads cast now? | TV & Radio - Express While he had much success in films and other television series, he never forgot Crossroads and was always keen to be involved with reunion events. It then moved to the Victoria Palace Theatre in the West End, where it ran for only 88 performances. In the same interview, she commented that a future role as a breakfast television presenter was being negotiated. A former fashion model, Valerie was used to the finer things in life, spending her husbands money, devouring Tom Collins cocktails and men. Died August 1976 Add photos, demo reels Add to list Known for Dracula A.D. 1972 5.9 Crying Matron 1972 Crossroads 4.2 TV Series Mrs. Witton Mrs. Witten Mrs Witton 1967-1976 44 eps Morning Story Funnily enough, she starred alongside her fellow Crossroads actor Sue Nicholls, who played Audrey Roberts. Crossroads was routinely assailed by TV critics for what they saw as its low quality, and Tonge was one of the members of the cast who was regularly criticised. She became ill during the run and had to be replaced. She has appeared on Loose Women and the Alan Titchmarsh Show, to promote the Crossroads 45th anniversary boxset. He started out acting in amateur productions before landing parts in theatres across the UK. Created by Hazel Adair and Peter Ling, and originally produced by ATV, Crossroads Motel which was later upgraded to a hotel was to be found in the fictional village of Kings Oak, on the outskirts of Birmingham. She now lives in Staffordshire and in 2022 her family revealed she was suffering from Alzheimers disease. Mike Garrett, of the Crossroads fan club, said: Angus became one of the most popular and loved characters in Crossroads thanks to his perfectly timed comedy performances. She led her soap life to the full for 24 years during which scripts saw her married five times once bigamously become a drug addict, an alcoholic and have a baby with her stepbrother. Rossington now lives in Staffordshire with her second husband, chartered surveyor David Dunger. Learn how and when to remove these template messages, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Benny from Crossroads opens Monmouth Carnival", "Nolly cast: Meet the actors and their real-life counterparts", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paul_Henry_(actor)&oldid=1146225718, Male actors from Birmingham, West Midlands, Articles lacking reliable references from March 2023, Articles with dead external links from March 2023, Short description is different from Wikidata, BLP articles lacking sources from May 2010, Wikipedia introduction cleanup from April 2016, Articles covered by WikiProject Wikify from April 2016, All articles covered by WikiProject Wikify, Articles with multiple maintenance issues, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 23 March 2023, at 14:53. As Valerie Pollard, she played a cheating wife whose conquests in the bedroom mounted up while her millionaire husband, J Henry, took care of affairs in the motel boardroom. He was only 35. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. In 2011, Chasen returned to soap to take over the role of Lydia Simmonds, Janine Butchers grandmother, in EastEnders for a short stint when Margaret Tyzack had to pull out. During his tenure in the series, his ill health left him increasingly immobile. Crossroads (famous for its wobbly sets), and from 1984 she starred in medical drama The District Nurse . FORMER Crossroads star John Bentley, who married Noele Gordon in the soap's biggest storyline, has died aged 92. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. [1] She played the role of Meg Mortimer (originally Richardson, later Ryder) in the long-running British soap opera Crossroads from 1964 to 1981, with a brief return in 1983. [1] She played the role of Meg Mortimer (originally Richardson, later Ryder) in the long-running British soap opera Crossroads from 1964 to 1981, with a brief return in 1983.[2]. Tonge's struggle with Hodgkin's Disease impacted his role in the programme. She was also a star on stage, playing in several roles including Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest. To accommodate his disability, and in order not to lose the character from the series, a plotline was developed where Sandy became paralysed and a wheelchair user through an accident. He had caught chicken pox and died of heart failure, his system unable to cope with the infection. Paul Henry's grandad was murdered by a Peaky Blinder - Express She had a natural eccentricity that was on display at OConnors wedding she turned up in camouflage pants and dark glasses with impenetrable blue lenses. His numerous credits include the character of Flying Officer. [2] Between 1975 and 1988, he played his best-known role of Benny Hawkins, a handyman in Crossroads.[3]. Initially commissioned as an emergency schedule filler, the show became so successful that Gordon gave up her executive position to concentrate on presenting. She retired to her home in Birmingham, where she died in 1985 of stomach cancer. Actress, Joan Collins took to her. The decision to dismiss Gordon the show's most popular cast member was taken in the hope that viewers would desert the show, giving Central a valid excuse to axe it. He had caught chicken pox and died of heart failure, his system unable to cope with the infection. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. Since then he has run his own business and recently played Tony Hancock on stage. She played Antonia in A Severed Head, JB Priestleys adaptation of the Iris Murdoch novel (Criterion, 1963-64), a production that transferred to Broadway (Royale, 1964). Noele Gordon was the star of the show who played Meg Mortimer until she was fired in 1981. [4] He was in character as Benny in the song, but spoke rather than sang. Actress. Early life [ edit] The Cast Of Crossroads: Where Are They Now? - BrainSharper She died in August 1976 in Seychelles. The series also saw black characters appearing regularly a follow-on from the 1960s BBC soap Compact, also created by Hazel Adair and Peter Ling. Paul Henry (born 1947) is an English actor, best known for his role as Benny Hawkins in the soap opera Crossroads, on which he appeared on 354 episodes over 11 years. Gordon was the only member of the Crossroads cast who had a permanent contract;[11] all other cast members were booked on an ad hoc basis. In The Great Escape, the Glasgow-born actor played Scottish prisoner of war Archibald The Mole Ives. Maurice Colbourne - Wikipedia Year: 1981. Sue, now 76, played Marilyn Gates on Crossroads from 1964-1968, and she sang a song called Where Will You Be on the show which later reached number 17 in the UK Singles Chart. Although you would never have known it from her on-screen squawk, she loved to sing and made a special appearance at Birmingham Town Hall, singing in Handels Messiah. Gordon helped Reg Watson and Ned Sherrin launch ATV Midlands in 1956. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. A clothes horse was once described as having more go in it that Ronald Allens Crossroads creation. Something went wrong, please try again later. John Ernest Briggs MBE (5 September 1935 - 28 February 2021) [1] was an English actor. This cast list of actors from Crossroads focuses primarily on the main characters, but there may be a few actors who played smaller roles on Crossroads that are on here as well. A daughter, Justine, died in 1989. Crossroads cast list, including photos of the actors when available. Following the accident, the character of Sandy was predominantly a wheelchair user, though he was able to stand and move upright with the aid of crutches. Jane Rossington Jane, now 77, played Jill. Not much else is known about the soap actor and what became of him. Paul Henry as Crossroads lovable Benny Hawkins, Where are they now? In 1981, after a long fight with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Tonge died age 35. She made her first public appearance at the East Ham Palace and shortly afterwards, sang "Dear Little Jammy Face" at a restaurant in London. After the show ended for good, Jane appeared in an episode of children's TV show Dramarama , and had her own radio show on Beacon Radio. It came after playing more than 20 characters most of the female parts throughout the 18-year run of the BBC radio sitcom The Navy Lark (1959-77), set on board the Royal Navy frigate HMS Troutbridge. A single parent working at the motel seems staid now, but was hugely controversial in the mid-1960s; Sandy Richardson was injured in a car accident in 1972 and needed to use a wheelchair, the first paraplegic regular character portrayed in British soap opera. Her last stage role was in No, No, Nanette at Plymouth's Theatre Royal. Many were forced to sleep in their cars or camp overnight. Now 73, she spoke the first words in the first episode on November 2, 1964, speaking into a telephone: Crossroads Motel, good evening. [8] He then played the regular character Frank, a baker's delivery man and later attempted rapist, in the penultimate series of the ITV1 prison drama Bad Girls. She eventually left the show in 1977 and the role was her last on TV. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Ive got a full head of hair, I recently gave up smoking and hardly drink now. She was educated at a Malaysian boarding school, Pensionnat Notre Dame, in Pahang. She was given the middle name of Noele because she was born on Christmas Day. Angus first joined the show in a small role in 1972 and returned as Shughie in 1974. David Fennell played Brian Jarvis for 11 years between 1964 and 1975. We built up an audience of 15 million viewers. And it started the trend for overnight stops for motorists in individual accommodation. The actor Heather Chasen, who has died aged 92, landed her best-known screen role in the television soap Crossroads. The planned chain never worked out as other businessmen jumped on the bandwagon, offering cheaper rates. Central were obliged to continue ATV's commitment to Crossroads; however, Head of Programmes Charles Denton and Head of Drama Margaret Matheson wanted to end the soap opera in favour of more expensive and lavish drama productions. Tonge thus became the first disabled actor in a soap, but it was something he always played down and his illness was never talked about. Kathy played Doris Luke from 1978-1984, and then from 2001-2002. She toured in plays Murder in Mind and Don't Rock the Boat , and starred on Lily Savage's Blankety Blank . Don't miss out on the biggest soaps gossip! His fans included British troops serving in the Falklands War in 1982, who nicknamed the Falkland Islanders Bennies after the character. The actor who played Sandy from the very first episode of Crossroads, died on 26th February 1981. But in later years his ill-health left him increasingly immobile. Underneath his soft woolly hat lurked a soft woolly brain but Aston-born Paul Henry played him to perfection. She was previously married to Brian Kent and she died in 1975 in Bromley, Kent, at the age of 62. The actor Janet Hargreaves, who has died aged 81, played Rosemary Hunter in Crossroads during the 1970s heyday of the TV serial. Crossroads Cast | List of All Crossroads Actors and Actresses - Ranker In 1954, Gordon spent a year in New York City learning American television production at New York University. He attended the citys Alderlea Boys School in Shard End with Jeff Lynne and later trained at the Birmingham School of Speech and Drama before spending time with Birmingham Rep and then in Crossroads. Actor best known for her roles in Crossroads and The Navy Lark. Crossroads cast now: What happened to Noele Gordon and her co-stars in the soap as Nolly airs on ITVX It follows the life of Noele Gordon, one of the nations most famous and beloved soap. [1] Henry's first acting credit was for his role as Guiccioli on the TV miniseries The Roads to Freedom. [1] He is also known for roles in other television series such as Gangsters, The Onedin Line, The Day of the Triffids and Doctor Who. Peggy Aitchison played Vi Blundell for six years between 1964 and 1970. Early life [ edit] Briggs was born in Battersea, south-west London, on 5 September 1935. She was the only original cast member of Crossroads to star in both the first and last ever episodes, and she spoke the first words spoken on the soap, "Crossroads Motel, good evening". Maurice Colbourne (24 September 1939 - 4 August 1989) was an English stage and television actor who starred as Tom Howard in the BBC television series Howards' Way. He had caught chicken pox and died of heart failure, his system unable to cope with the infection. Tuesday, 2nd May 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. That grief is with me today as if it was yesterday. Johnny Briggs (actor) - Wikipedia Crossroads and Ipcress File actress Sue Lloyd dies aged 72 This list features Elizabeth Berkley James Dean and more. Now 37, she is best known for her long-standing role as Nancy Hayton on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks , which she began in 2008. Her parents split up when she was 10, and both remarried. His absence and death were never mentioned in Crossroads until the final episode. Work was scarce afterwards and then in 1989 our daughter, Justine, was killed in a car crash aged only 18. Over the years the series dealt with storylines which were controversial for the times. Crossroads also turned Noele Gordon into a gay icon.[3][10]. He died on 26 February 1981 in London, England, UK. Luckily, two security cards were nearby and I was unhurt.. James from London International Treasure LV 5 Messages 7,507 Reaction score 14,214 Awards 16 Location Brixton Member Since Time immemorial Mar 1, 2021 #2 Looking back, Sandy and Diane were my favourites. Margaret Matheson had stated that it was not Denton or herself who sacked Gordon. The original soap ran from 1964 to 1988 and was followed by a short revival in 2001. This list includes all of the Crossroads main actors and actresses, so if they are an integral part of the show you'll find them below. Her first London stage role was as Leonardos wife in the Federico Garca Lorca tragedy Blood Wedding at the Arts theatre in 1954, directed by Peter Hall. David Moran was born in Birmingham, West Midlands, England, UK. She sang at a strip club in Vienna and toured America and Cananda with the Royal Shakespeare Company. In 2012, Susan moved to ITV soap Coronation Street , playing Penny Thornley. He died on 25 April 2021 in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England. Charging charged $1.25 per room per night, it was luxurious for its time, comprising a number of small bungalows with private garages. Elisabeth Croft who played Miss Tatum in Crossroads. He was also in the film Catch Me Going Back. A succession of quality TV dramas and BBC plays followed, including Romeo And Juliet with Celia Johnson and A Midsummer Nights Dream with an all-star cast of Edward Fox, Eileen Atkins, Lynn Redgrave, Ronnie Barker as Bottom and me as Flute. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Crossroads matriarch Meg later Meg Mortimer was memorably played by Brummie actress Noele Gordon. Arguably the most successful actress to have starred in Crossroads, both old and new, the sky seems to be the limit for Freema Agyeman! Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Angus Wilson Lennie (18 April 1930 14 September 2014) was a Scottish film and theatre character actor with a 50-year career span. We got married in 1969 and here we are 45 years later. Benny wasnt the brightest character to emerge from planet soap. Noele appeared in two episodes in 1983 as a surprise, and there were plans to bring her back as an occasional character in 1985. Chasen also had an elegance and grand air about her that endeared her to friends, and she was often seen with a glass of champagne in one hand and a cigarette in the other. What a Lovely War, directed by his Great Escape co-star Richard Attenborough, with a cast that included Dirk Bogarde and Laurence Olivier. I found that once I knew who Benny was, the lines came easily and six weeks turned into 13 years. She is buried in the churchyard of St Mary's Parish Church in Ross-on-Wye. Seventies chart-toppers Mud, Where are they now? I learned my craft doing rep in plays like Billy Liar, then working with actors including Michael Gambon and Timothy Dalton at Birmingham Rep, where I spent eight years. Years later, I did Doctors, several episodes of Bad Girls and recently a tour playing Tony Hancock in Hancocks Finest Hour. She made her professional debut as Marcella in Donna Clarines at the Castle theatre, Farnham (1945). An appearance on Crossroads in 1971 as Harry Silver, a GI on the run in the village, led to a recurring role on the series in the 1980s as the garage mechanic Sid Hooper. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. He has appeared on Celebrity Pointless where he won the jackpot alongside Shaun Williamson, who played Barry Evans in EastEnders. Jane Rossington was part of the cast from day one and she played Jill Richardson in the soap. Jane, now 77, played Jill Richardson, the daughter of Meg and Charles Richardson, the older sister of Alexander 'Sandy'.