First opening its doors in 1964, Crossroads was a soap opera following the dramatic lives of guests and staff at a fictional motel in the Midlands. Created by Hazel Adair and Peter Ling, Crossroads originally ran from 1964 to 1988 and was produced by ATV and Central Independent Television. The soap was later revived by Carlton Television in 2001 before being cancelled in 2003. Originally owned and run by Meg Mortimer (Noele Gordon) the Crossroads Motel had a cast of lively characters like Amy Turtle, Benny Hawkins and Adam Chance. It never shied away from tackling contemporary issues. In 1972, the soap introduced the first paraplegic regular character (Sandy Richardson) portrayed in a British soap opera. This even led to the establishment of the ‘Crossroads Caring for Carers’ charity. A number of now familiar faces got their early roles in the show including David Jason, Malcolm McDowell and Elaine Paige. Guest appearances by the likes of Bob Monkhouse, Ken Dodd and Larry Grayson were also common occurrences. Due to its fast production rates, ‘as live’ recording (with no re-takes) and low budget it meant that wobbly sets and fluffed lines made it to broadcast. While this inspired Victoria Wood’s affectionate parody ‘Acorn Antiques’, the British press frequently derided the soap. Despite this, Crossroads was watched by millions. It garnered legions of fans that relished every dramatic twist and turn and is, for many, remembered with fondness.