AT A CROSSROADS Where cast of Crossroads are now – tragic death of Charmian Abrahams to 10-year romance with soap legend
A LIST of the greatest soaps in British history wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Crossroads.
Watched by a staggering 15 million people at its peak – ratings Corrie and Emmerdale could only dream of these days – the ITV show entertained fans for 22 years until 1988.
Set in the Midlands, the soap was revived for a short stint in 2001 until the Crossroads Motel finally shut its doors in 2003.
It introduced audiences to a plethora of iconic stars including Noele Gordon, who played the role of motel boss Meg Mortimer.
But today fans of the soap have been left devastated after it was revealed that actress Charmian Abrahams was killed after being hit by a delivery van.
The star – best known for playing Mavis Hooper in the soap – died in Harborne, Birmingham, on Monday.
In a statement – released through West Midlands Police – the family said: “Charmian was a much-loved aunt and great-aunt and a dear friend to many.
“At 96 she was still full of life and energy and fiercely independent.
“In her working life she had enjoyed a long career as an actor on stage and screen, performing alongside many great theatrical figures.
“We are devastated that her life has been brought to an end so suddenly and tragically, but we will treasure our memories of her zest for life and the many good times we shared with her.”
In the wake of Charmian’s tragic demise, we take a look at where the other legends of the soap are today.
Jane Rossington
Starring as Jill Richardson, Jane, now 80, was the only original cast member to appear in the first and last episode.
She spoke the first words on the show when it first aired on November 2, 1964.
Jane’s storylines ranged from marriage breakdowns to booze addiction and even having a baby with her stepbrother.
Due to not having a permanent contact on the show, she also starred in other shows including BBC Radio 4’s The Archers.
She returned to Crossroads in 2000 for its revival after shying away from TV work to focus on stage shows.
Jane now lives in Staffordshire with her second husband David Dunger, who revealed last year that she is sadly suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Albert Shepherd
Albert played Don Rogers for four years from 1970 to 1974 after appearing in the 1968 film Secret Ceremony alongside Elizabeth Taylor.
Following the sad death of his wife Rosalen in the mid-80s, he retired from acting to look after their three children.
Just three weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer, he died from the disease at a York hospital in July 2019 aged 82.
Sue Nicholls
She may now be best known for her role as Audrey Roberts on Coronation Street but Sue Nicholls had a leading role in Crossroads for four years.
The 80-year-old played Marilyn Gates and even managed to reach number 17 in the UK singles charts with a song she first sang on the show called Where Will You Be?
After the show Sue tried to keep her pop star momentum going but ended up as a stage actress instead.
She landed the role of no-nonsense Audrey on Corrie in 1979 and still plays her now. In 2019, she received the prestigious Outstanding Achievement prize at the British Soap Awards.
In 2011, a nurse noticed a mole on Sue’s shoulder and immediately contacted show bosses to express her concerns.
It was later diagnosed as malignant melanoma and removed, with the nurse being invited on set so Sue could thank her.
Sue was married to fellow Corrie actor Mark Eden from 1993 until his death from Alzheimer’s disease in January 2021.
Kathy Staff
Kathy played Doris Luke on the soap from 1878 to 1984 and reprised her role in the reboot.
Before Crossroads, Kathy was known for playing Nora Batty in Last Of The Summer Wine, from 1973 until just before she died from a brain tumour aged 80 in 2008.
Soap star Kathy had minor roles in Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Open All Hours and The Benny Hill Show and also worked as a stage actress.
She died with her husband of 57 years, John, by her bedside.
Tony Adams
Tony, 82, starred as Adam Chance, one of the biggest villains in British TV history, from 1978 until its first run ended in 1988.
He was one of a handful of stars to return for the show’s revival in 2001 but his character was killed off in a fire.
He later revealed that a crazed fan tried to stab him with a knife but was intercepted by two security guards standing nearby.
Although he is best known for played Adam, he also appeared in a stage adaptation of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in late 2004.
In 2013 it was revealed that Tony suffers from osteoarthritis, which he believes was a result of eating an excess amount of seafood like prawns.
Tony is patron of Crossroads Caring for Carers and still sports his signature moustache.
Dorothy Edwards
Back in 1964, Welsh actress Dorothy played Mrs Oakley for one series of the soap.
She was already a prolific name in radio, TV and theatre and began her career in the 1930s.
Along with her part in The Owl Service, Crossroads became Dorothy’s most high-profile role.
In August 1974, she sadly passed away in Wiltshire – after falling ill during a performance of Alan Ayckbourne’s play, Bedroom Farce.
Heather Chasen
Heather found fame playing Valerie Pollard on Crossroads (not Emmerdale) for four years from 1982.
An impressive career followed with appearances on EastEnders, Holby City, The Bill, and Navy Lark.
She was in a relationship with Coronation Street legend Amanda Barrie for 10 years after they worked together on stage.
Amanda paid a touching tribute to her ex after Heather passed away in 2020 aged 92.
Susan Hanson
As one of the most loved stars on Crossroads, the decision to kill off Susan’s character, Diane Lawton, was controversial.
She made a return to the small screen in 2012 when she appeared as Penny Thornley on Corrie, alongside her Crossroads co-star Sue Nicholls.
Susan had a short-lived marriage to BBC Radio 1 presenter Tommy Vance in the 60s, and later tied the knot with Carl Wayne, lead singer of the band The Move.
They were married from 1974 until his death from oesophageal cancer in 2004.
Paul Henry
Birmingham-born Paul, 75, played handyman Benny Hawkins from 1975 to 1988.
Like Sue, he also made an appearance on the singles chart at number 39 with Benny’s Theme, a version of the show’s opening song.
He briefly had a role in Archers and played a gangster on an episode of The Sweeney.
Since he left the show he’s made guest appearances on a number of game shows including Bullseye and, more recently, Pointless Celebrities in 2017.
