|
If the 1970s had seen Crossroads at its peak, with massive ratings and a
plethora of increasingly demented storylines, then the 1980s saw the programme
suffer a number of body blows, ultimately leading to its cancellation. At the
start of the decade the Independendent Broacadcasting Authority once again
enforced a reduction of episodes per week in the hope of improving quality, and
the position of the series was further undermined when ATV became Central
Television and the new regime showed a distinct lack of enthusiasm for past
productions. But it could be argued that the dismissal of Noele Gordon in June
1981 was the greatest blow of all; controversy still surrounds this incident
even today. The sacking made headline news, and led to much keening and wailing
from the show's devotees, but also offered producer Jack Barton an opportunity
to give the show a desperately needed face-lift.
The burning down of the motel and the subsequent departure of Meg on the QE2
changed the emphasis of the show in a number of ways. New cast members, like the
glamorous and scheming Pollards, were introduced, and the new, very 1980s motel
bar became the centre of the action. But the show seemed to struggle,
despite highlights such as Adam and Jill's wedding, and new producer Philip
Bowman was brought in to further separate the show from its past. His arrival
led to the high-profile departure of characters David and Barbara Hunter, and
the equally high-profile introduction of icy businesswoman Nicola Freeman.
Despite these changes, and the fact that the production team was finally
allowed adequate rehearsal and filming time, the show seemed to lose its way and
was seemingly unable to attract the audience demographic that Central demanded.
Bowman was subsequently replaced by William Smethurst, who, after axing more old
favourites like Benny and Diane, attempted with some success to revamp the
programme, and even had advanced plans to rename the series Kings Oak. All these
plans were to no avail, however, and Central finally wielded the axe in 1988.
After 23 years of constant struggle and controversy, Crossroads ended quietly,
with Jill driving into the sunset with plans for her own hotel. It would be over
a decade before fans found out that this wasn't quite the end of the long and
torturous story.
John Williams
|
1. Sacrifices (1.13)
