Crossroads back with new image
When Britain's most famous roadside inn reopened its doors after a 13-year televisual break this week, fans will have noticed a major change - Crossroads is no longer a humble motel, but a luxurious four-star establishment.
While the old Crossroads boasted little more than a bar, a restaurant and a swimming pool, the new version has a spa, a gym, an executive suite, conferencing facilities and a chef whose repertoire extends beyond melon boats and prawn cocktail.
"Time has moved on in the hotel industry," said a spokeswoman for programme maker Carlton. "Crossroads motel was run-down and seedy, and we don't want to hark back to that. "We wanted to go upmarket and attract a younger crowd, so we went for state-of-the-art sets and all-out glamour. The new Crossroads hosts weddings and conferences; there's a lot more happening."
It can only be hoped the new staff aren't as prone to sudden disappearances as their predecessors. Fans will still remember Glenda Brownlow, who went to the toilet and never came back, and chef Shughie McFee, who wandered over to the fridge to fetch a pork chop and was never seen again.