Ronnie Allen dreams of introducing a suave Englishman into the glossy world of Blake Carrington or J.R. Ewing.  He believes his smooth David Hunter role could become soap opera's answer to David Niven.

 

"I'd love a part in Dallas or Dynasty and I think those American series are crying out for a stylish English gentleman," said Ronnie, who has been dubbed Britain's King of Soaps because of his starring roles in Crossroads, United and Compact.

 

Ironically, his ambition could lead to a split with girlfriend Sue Lloyd.  "I wouldn't want to live in America," she said.  "I've tried it and I don't like it.  I see myself going back into films.  But I think Dallas or Dynasty would be perfect for Ronnie.  He has played the most successful character in a British soap opera for the last 14 years.  There's bound to be a market for his enormous talent."

 

They both agree that work will come first - even if it means a Transatlantic separation.  Ronnie said: "We will never stand in the way of each other.  Ideally we would like to work together here but that may not be possible."

 

Ronnie is secretly pinning his hopes on a plan to revive Compact, Britain's first soap opera.  He played the editor of a glossy women's magazine.  "I loved the part - and I'd love to do it again."

 

Plans for an updated Channel Four production, called Impact, are in the pipeline.  And Ronnie is waiting in the wings, with his fingers crossed.  He would also be very happy to take a part in Coronation Street.

 

Sue sees herself making a comeback in films.  And after a recent success as a celebrity guest on Give Us A Clue she is hoping to make more appearances on TV game shows.

 

In the meantime, they are both throwing themselves enthusiastically into the next nine weeks' recordings of Crossroads.

 

"We are very relieved that the producer has promised there won't be a violent ending for David and Barbara," said Ronnie.  "We've no idea how the story will unfold.  The only request we've made is that David and Barbara end up happy-ever-after.  Our screen marriage has meant such a lot to us.  The characters are very dear to us.  We would hate to leave them miserable and unhappy."