‘I fear this is going to have many ups and downs’: Former Crossroads star Angela Webb hits out at new series documenting the decline of tragic co-star Noele Gordon
- TV visionary Russell T. Davies will produce a new three part drama based on the late actress’s fall from grace and subsequent death to stomach cancer
- But Webb, who played Iris Scott in Crossroads, insists the decision to dramatise her former co-star’s ailing health is in poor taste
- Crossroads became one of the most-watched shows on British television following its launch in 1964, going on to enjoy a 24 year run
- Set at the fictional Crossroads Motel on the outskirts of Birmingham, the soap made a household name of Gordon
- Celebrated Hollywood star Helena Bonham Carter is expected to play the actress when shooting finally gets underway
A former Crossroads star has slammed current plans to develop a new show about actress Noele Gordon, who was sensationally fired from the soap in 1981.
TV visionary Russell T. Davies will produce a new three part drama based on the late actress’s fall from grace and subsequent death to stomach cancer aged 65, just four years after leaving the ITV show.
But Angela Webb, who played Iris Scott in Crossroads, insists the decision to dramatise her former co-star’s ailing health in Nolly – named after Noelle’s off-screen nickname – is in poor taste.
Speaking out: Former Crossroads star Angela Webb has slammed current plans to develop a new show about actress and former co-star Noele Gordon (pictured: Angela Webb as Iris Scott, David Moran as Kevin Banks and Margaret John as Marion Owen in 1980)
She told The Mirror: ‘Someone writing a biopic who didn’t know or experience her… I do worry. I fear this is going to have many ups and downs.’
Crossroads became one of the most-watched shows on British television following its launch in 1964, going on to enjoy a 24 year run before airing its final episode in 1988.
A relaunch starring Sherrie Hewson was attempted in 2001, but it was promptly axed just two years later following a sharp decline in ratings.
Set at the fictional Crossroads Motel on the outskirts of Birmingham, the soap made household names of show regulars Paul Henry, Beryl Johnstone and Noele Gordon – who played stalwart Meg Richardson.
In the works: TV visionary Russell T. Davies will produce a new three part drama based on the late actress’s fall from grace and subsequent death to stomach cancer aged 65, just four years after leaving the ITV show (pictured: Noelle, centre, filming her final episode)
Despite her status as a show regular Gordon was mercilessly axed by producers in 1981, but Webb still has fond memories of the late actress.
She added: ‘Nolly, despite being a household name, was really kind to me and took me under her wing. Everybody loved her and her departure was hugely sad. It was awful.
‘Nolly as absolutely devastated and soon after she had cancer. It killed Crossroads and killed her.’
Iconic: Set at the fictional Crossroads Motel on the outskirts of Birmingham, the soap made a household name Noele Gordon – who played stalwart Meg Richardson.
Filling her shoes: Celebrated Hollywood star Helena Bonham Carter is expected to play the actress when shooting finally gets underway
Celebrated Hollywood star Helena Bonham Carter is expected to play the actress when shooting finally gets underway, but Scott believes she is the wrong choice due to her lack of physical similarities.
‘Helena is tiny, dark-haired, dark-eyed. It’s a challenge for the make-up department,’ she said.
ITV’s head of Drama Polly Hill previously insisted the forthcoming drama would try to answer questions about Gordon’s unexpected exit from the show.
She said: ‘Nolly reveals the truth, the consequences and the legacy of that terrible day.’
Popular: Crossroads became one of the most-watched shows on British television following its launch in 1964, going on to enjoy a 24 year run before airing its final episode in 1988
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