David Hunter and his wife Barbara and Kevin and Glenda Banks get the boot in a bid to pep up the flagging soap opera.

 

For the time being, though, Benny - actor Paul Henry - survives the massacre by new producer Phillip Bowman.  And former Crossroads queen Meg Mortimer - actress Noele Gordon - could be coming back when she recovers from illness.

 

The axing of Ronald Allen, who plays suave motel boss David Hunter, is the biggest shock.  He's been with the show since 1971.  Actress Sue Lloyd - his real-life live-in-lover, who plays his wife Barbara, came on the scene five years ago.

 

Kevin and Glenda - David Moran and Lynette McMorrough - are both long-time favourites.  And Lynette's 12 month-old daughter, emily who joined the cast last year as their test-tube baby, is going too.  The family will probably emigrate to Canada in May.

 

Just how the Hunters will go has not been disclosed but there will be no sensational deaths.

 

Phillip Bowman, who replaced producer Jack Barton this month, said:  "The only way to make real changes is for key members of the cast to go.  I think the four have taken it quite philosophically."

 

Three others could also be facing the chop.  Mr Bowman wasn't saying who, but it is believed they are Dr. Wilcox, actor Robert Grange, his son Lawrence, Paul Ashe, and Anna Ross, Dorita Zienska.

 

But Crossroads is to get new faces.  A "Miss Ellie" type figure is expected to be signed next week.  And a new family will move to the motel.  Mr Bowman also said it was "an interesting idea" to re-sign Noele Gordon.

 

Even the signature tune is to be revamped.  New script writers are being brought in, too, as the show aims to tackle more serious subjects.

 

Said Mr Bowman:  "Future story lines will include Crossroads characters dealing with social topics like alcoholism, rape, smoking and terrorism."