Lots of big names and cast changes to come - what's happening to the staff at Crossroads? This page was last updated January 6th, 2003.

New Cast Members

In order to increase the show's appeal (the pledge is to increase viewing figures to about 3.5 million up from 2.4million in 2002), a cast with new faces is being drafted in.

What we know so far is that only nine characters from the first 320 episodes are returning. Eight of these are the same actors/actresses. There has been one recasted character. The following people are joining the "gang" in 2003:

• Jane Asher plays Angel Samson, the new "sexy superbitch" who takes over the hotel. As well as being manipulative and a control-freak, She has a circular bed, a lilac office, classy clothes with sequins, shoes and slippers with sequins etc - immaculate, glamorous and Crossroads is her empire.
  
  Ms Asher, who has signed a one year contract, is well known for her ability to bake special birthday cakes, an image she now wishes to consign to the past. Incidentally, Paul McCartney, husband of deceased Linda and former boyfriend of Ms Asher, once wrote a version of the Crossroads theme tune, the so-called "Wings" version (because that was the name of his album).

• Emma Noble-Major (daughter-in-law of ex British Prime Minister John Major) will feature in the first episode of 2003 as a blonde gold-digger by the name of Suzie Samson, the daughter-in-law of Angel Samson. Her character is married to Jimmy Samon, Angel's son. But her character is first seen with Jimmy's twin brother Ryan!
  
  Ms Noble replaces Danniella Westbrook who pulled out for an operation on her nose.

• Anne Charleston is also starring in Crossroads 2003, she will play Betty Waddle, who is faithful but scheming - she has secrets that can bring the downfall of those closest to her.
  
  Ms Charleston is an ex-Neighbours star, having played Madge Bishop for 11 years.

• Stuart Milligan has also now been confirmed, he will play the on-screen husband of Jane Asher. The pair will have an 'open' relationship. He's a successful businessman and devoted father but can be cold and ruthless. Motivated by money and success.
  
  Stuart is an american actor who lives in London.

• Clare Wilkie is Cleopatra Samson, manager of the Spa and Health Club. She's repressed and lacklustre with little success throughout her working life to date.

• Luke Roberts is Ryan Samson, someone who likes to be at the centre of the action.

• Jimmy Samson is played by Graham McGrath. Jimmy is Ryan's twin brother and head of Promotions at Crossroads. He feels like a loser having failed a Uni degree.

• Kate O'Mara, an ex star of Dynasty, will also guest star as Lady Alex Fox, according to a recent issue of the TV Times. An Ananova report suggests she plays a "cigar-smoking magistrate who crosses swords with the hotel owners".

• Linda Robson, a former star from Birds Of A Feather, plays the part of a jailbird mother of three sisters.

• Lionel Blair appears as Valentine Starwood, not Ronnie as previously reported according to Crossroads Now. He stars as a Latin American ballroom dancing teacher who was introduced to the pastime courtesy of his late wife Ethel. Valentine plans to recapture his youth by converting two new proteges into dance stars.

• Tim Brooke-Taylor appears as Murray Simpson, he's the long term boyfriend of the new hotel chef Vince Vaccaro. (See note)

Elsewhere, Ben Porter who, according to this has been in more productions than IMDB care to mention, will play the new hotel chef, Vince Vaccaro. Bye bye Billy.

Guest wise, Ex-Coronation Street actor Scott Wright appears in Crossroads for five episodes. He plays Jeff Larson, an ex-Army Officer. Tim Brooke-Taylor is "one of many guest stars who are involved in short self-contained storylines". Recently been seen in Dictionary Corner on Channel 4's longest running programmes, Countdown.

An article in The Daily Telegraph on December 12th had an interview with Jane 'Angel Samson' Asher, which talked about her successful cake making business, successful stage career, her beauty, her engagement to Paul McCartney and of course, Crossroads.

The article commented on acclaimed playwright Alan Ackbourn being a massive fan of hers and that he wouldnt loose any sleep over the dodgy dialogue in the scripts! Jane Asher said she was missing the fact all her kids had left home but was compensating with the enormous fun shes having making the show.

Please see the Cast List for a full list of who's returning.

On Jane Asher, Yvon said in a Guardian report: "Jane Asher? She helped me, I helped her. I don't think she wanted to continue making cakes all her life, and having a goody-two-shoes image. She is an exceptional actress. Beautiful."

Who Is Leaving Crossroads?
Jake Booth & Scott Booth (I)	Jake (Colin Wells) does not return in the Yvon Era, but Scott does. Planet Crossroads has learnt that Scott will be recast with an older actor (newcomer Matthew Maude). "It appears that Scott shall be returning to Crossroads, but unfortunatly [sic] I shall not" says Kieran Hardcastle, the young actor who played Scott. We hope he goes on to bigger and better things in the world of acting. If he does then you heard it here first!
Phil Berry & Nicola Berry	The show's newest couple do not feature, namely because the groom Phil (Neil Grainger) is imprisoned and the bride Nicola (Julia Burchell) has amnesia and is in hospital. Neil posted a message on the official Carlton forum confirming his departure, further confirmed on Crossroads Now.
Mark Russell & Sarah Harvey	This couple flew away together on a round the world trip so the absence of Mark (Max Brown) and Sarah-Jane Harvey (Holly Newman) can be explained like that. Max Brown has joined the cast of Channel 4 teenage soap Hollyoaks.
Des White & Minty Sutton	Best mates since they were youngsters, Des (Marc Jordan) and Minty (Peter Dalton) aspire to be the best thing that's ever happened to the kitchen. Peter Dalton has gone into the West End.
Joanne, Ray and Sam	Ray (James Mckenzie Robinson) was visibly heartbroken to see the girl of his dreams engaged to a new man she met in Amsterdam. He left to go back to Australia. Sam (Jonathan Wrather), meanwhile, was not a popular character amongst certain people but Joanne (Rebecca Clarke) could see no wrong. She was the sous chef at Crossroads. Jonathan Wrather can now be seen in Coronation Street, he started filming this shortly after filming for Crossroads finished. He is contracted to Weatherfield until 2004.
Billy Taylor & Eddie Weaver	Eddie Weaver (Ramon Tikaram) will not return to King's Oak, for he is in Italy having moved there at short notice to be near his son Paul. Billy (Gilly Gilchrist) is also not returning. Ramon found other work at Easter 2002 and thus shall be busy with that. The Kate and Billy fans are not happy at Gilly's departure, believing his character's relationship with Kate is the best thing that's ever happened to the soap... :-)
Abbie Baker & Victor Barnes	Victor (Ray Lonnen) shalt not set foot back to Crossroads next year for the simple reason that he's passed away. Abbie Baker (Raine Davison) is not returning, she'll probably leave with Des by her side :)

Characters confirmed to be returning to Crossroads are:

• Kate Russell (Jane Gurnett)

• Dave & Oona Stocks (Jim Dunk and Di Sherlock) - No more "Knockout Café" - the Stocks are host and hostess at the Kings Oak village pub 'The Cat In The Moon' and Helen Raven will feature at their Friday night karaoke artiste.

• Virginia Raven (Sherrie Hewson)

• Rocky Wesson (Roger Sloman)

• Beena Shah (Rebecca Hazlewood)

• Tracey Booth (Cindy Marshall-Day) - Ironically, Tracey is the manager of the new bar at Crossroads!

• Helen Raven (Lucy Pargeter) - character has the "hots" for gay chef Vince.

Unconfirmed character returns are:

• All characters accounted for...

Briefs

Claire Wilkie will play Cleopatra Samson (repressed and lacklustre), Angel and Max's daughter and sister of Ryan and Jimmy. She previously played Sandra di Marco, Beppe's ex-wife, in EastEnders.

Betty Waddell ("MADGE!!") is the new Housekeeper. Betty was previously the Samson's nanny for the kids, but once they grew up and they subsequently took over Crossroads, she became the Housekeeper. The Samsons "know" that Betty won't "rat on them" (as Anne Charleston says), with regard to their secrets, but then, who knows..

The King's Oak / Knock Out / K.O. Cafe is no more, having been refurbished into the trendy "Cat in the Moon" pub, owned by the Stocks. The bar is managed by Helen Raven, who holds a karaoke night on a friday evening - Carlton may be hoping for a "Kylie" with Lucy Pargetter, aka Helen..