There's a buzz of excitement around Central TV studios in Birmingham as the two great days draw near.  They mark a historic achievement.  No show on British TV can come close to Crossroads' amazing record.

 

Coronation Street is the longest running serial timewise, for it began four years earlier than Crossroads, in December 1960.  But even The Street doesn't come near to matching the total number of episodes Crossroads can boast.

 

That's because The Street is on screen twice weekly, while Crossroads can be seen three evenings a week, and in the past years it's been shown four and even five times a week.

 

Throughout its 20-year reign, the comings and goings of the people at this Midlands motel have been compulsive viewing for millions.  Their almost fanatical following of events has ensured a virtually permanent place high in the viewing ratings.  On one occasion the four episodes of Crossroads occupied the top four places.

 

Yet when the cast gather to raise their glasses at the celebration party they'll be toasting the future as well as the past.  The anniversary marks something of a watershed in the saga of Crossroads.

 

In January new producer Phillip Bowman takes over from Jack Barton, who's been connected with the show as director then producer since 1967.

 

It's been announced that there'll be many more scenes shot outside.  Emphasis will switch from inside the motel and focus more on what's going on in and around the fictional town of King's Oak.  There will be new characters in the show and the indoor set will be moved to a new studio.

 

"Everyone connected with Crossroads is excited about the future," said Jane Rossington, who plays Jill Chance.  Jane is better qualified than most to talk about the programme.  She's the only remaining character from the original cast of November 2nd, 1964.

 

In fact, it was Jane who, as Jill Richardson then, opened the very first episode on the telephone in the motel's reception with the words, "Crossroads Motel - can I help you?"