On December 20th 2002 Carlton released a press pack (republished below) which set out details on the new 'Yvon Era' of the show. We have applied our own formatting methods to this copy for the site and stripped out the contact details for various Carlton staff. With thanks to "brummie2_2000" from the Crossroads Fan Club Yahoo Group.

INTRODUCTION

Crossroads is back - under new management - and serving a heady cocktail of love, lust and loyalty. Pride, power and passion fuel the day-to-day dramas in the refurbished hotel. The tempestuous Max and Angel Samson have moved in and twelve months on have stamped their inimitable style on Crossroads.

They've given the hotel a glitzy facelift, which now boasts a splendid Romanesque entrance lobby, a luxurious spa, swimming pool and health club, stylish cocktail bar and intimate restaurant. But the glamorous facade can't disguise the simmering undercurrents of power-struggles within the Samson family and towards the remaining Crossroads staff who have loyally stayed on.

The executive producer of Crossroads is Yvon Grace. Yvon, who was a panellist on ITV1's Soapstars, enjoyed both critical and ratings' success as producer of the second series of Holby City and has worked extensively for both ITV and the BBC, developing, directing and producing serials and drama including Revelations, EastEnders and The Ward.

Says Yvon: "Crossroads is going to be escapist, sexy and fun - the television equivalent of an airport blockbuster. I've decided to be bold and make a 'Dallas' for tea-time. The hotel has moved on a year and there have been many changes. Viewers will be treated to a succession of stars, including Emma Noble, Linda Robson, Kate O'Mara, Lionel Blair and Tim Brooke-Taylor, who will be at the centre of some explosive guest storylines. Crossroads will be larger-than-life, brave, witty and shamelessly sexy!"

Jane Asher stars as superbitch Angel Samson and is at the heart of some of the most dramatic storylines in the new series. Says Jane: "To play a character like Angel is a dream. Angel is a very interesting mixture. On the one hand she's very tough and can be deeply unpleasant in order to get what she wants. But apart from scheming and being manipulative, she shows how important her family are and occasionally shows a vulnerable side."

Angel's family include her ruthless businessman husband Max (Stuart Milligan) and their children Cleo (Clare Wilkie) and twin sons Ryan (Luke Roberts) and Jimmy (Graham McGrath), together with family retainer Betty (Anne Charleston).

Crossroads favourites making a welcome return are Jane Gurnett, who plays general manager Kate Russell and is surrounded by her loyal staff. Cindy Marshall-Day is back as barmaid Tracey Booth with her son Scott (Matthew Maude) who has grown up into a troubled teenager, Sherrie Hewson plays frosty receptionist Virginia Raven, Roger Sloman is concierge Rocky Wesson and Rebecca Hazelwood is surly receptionist Beena Shah.

Dave Stocks and his battleaxe ex-wife Oona (Jim Dunk and Di Sherlock) are now the new bosses of The Cat In The Moon pub, while Virginia's daughter Helen (Lucy Pargeter) is the new barmaid and karaoke queen.

New characters also include the wild and wonderful Wise sisters Philomena (Shauna Shim) Lola (Freema Agyeman) and Belle (Jessica Fox), camp hotel chef Vince Vaccaro (Ben Porter) and handsome handyman Joe Lacey (Richard Burke).

Carlton's Controller of Drama and Co-production Jonathan Powell says: "There is huge affection for Crossroads. Our aim is to produce a drama which will be enjoyed by the many existing loyal viewers, but also tempt those who have still to give it a chance."

Crossroads will be shown every day from Monday to Friday with a further chance to watch the series on ITV2.

Secrets and scandal are on the new menu. Check in for a roller coaster ride.

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