The Golden Age of British Soap Operas: A Starry Reunion
The 1970s were a golden era for British television, with just three channels dominating the airwaves. Among the myriad of shows vying for viewers' attention, two soaps stood out: Coronation Street and Crossroads. These programmes not only captivated audiences but also embedded their stars into the very fabric of British culture. Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the leading soap stars of the '70s, and where they are now.
Pat Phoenix: The Iconic Elsie Tanner
Pat Phoenix, a legendary figure in British soap history, brought the character of Elsie Tanner to life from the very first episode of Coronation Street in 1960. Her portrayal of the independent and glamorous Elsie was so compelling that she took a break from the show in 1973, only to return in 1976, where she stayed until 1984. Phoenix's talent extended beyond the screen, as she graced the stage with regional productions like Spider's Web (1985) and The Man (1984).
Married three times, Phoenix's personal life was as dramatic as her on-screen roles. Her first marriage was to actor Peter Marsh, followed by a union with Coronation Street co-star Alan Browning, and finally, a marriage to actor Anthony Booth, the father of Cherie Blair, the wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair. Tragically, Phoenix's life was cut short by lung cancer in 1986, at the age of 62.
Jean Alexander: The Busybody Hilda Ogden
Jean Alexander, another iconic soap star, played the busybody Hilda Ogden on Coronation Street from 1964 to 1987. Her portrayal of the ever-watchful Hilda was so memorable that she also played Auntie Wainwright in the beloved series Last of the Summer Wine from 1988 to 2010. After her stint on Coronation Street, Alexander's career flourished with a string of TV and film projects, including Scandal (1989), Rich Tea and Sympathy (1991), Willie's War (1994), and The Phoenix and the Carpet (1997).
Alexander's personal life remained a mystery, as she never married. In 1989, she released her autobiography, The Other Side of the Street: The Autobiography of Jean Alexander. Retiring from the industry in 2012 after over 50 years, she spent her later years in quiet solitude in Southport, Merseyside, passing away in October 2016 at the age of 90.
William Roache: The Everlasting Ken Barlow
William Roache, a living legend in the world of British soaps, holds the record for the longest-serving cast member in a continuous role. Since the inception of Coronation Street in 1960, Roache has played the iconic Ken Barlow, a role that has earned him the British Soap Awards Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999. Roache's dedication to his craft is remarkable, as he continues to play Ken, now in his 90s, and is a father to three surviving children from his marriages to Anna Cropper and Sara McEwan Mottram. He also welcomed two more children, Vanya and Edwina Roache, who sadly passed away.
Noele Gordon: The Sophisticated Meg Mortimer
Noele Gordon, a star of Crossroads, played the sophisticated motel owner Meg Mortimer from 1964 to 1981, winning the TV Times Most Popular Actress award a record eight times during the decade. After leaving Crossroads, Gordon made a brief return for two episodes in 1983. She then took to the stage, appearing in theatre productions such as Gypsy, The Boyfriend, Call Me Madam, and No, No, Nanette. Gordon's personal life was a mystery, as she never married and lived with her mother throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Tragically, she was diagnosed with cancer in 1982 and passed away in 1985 at the age of 65.
Paul Henry: The Lovable Benny Hawkins
Paul Henry, a beloved star of Crossroads, joined the cast in 1975 as the lovable, hat-wearing handyman Benny Hawkins. His portrayal of Benny was so endearing that he quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the show's most recognisable stars. Henry's talent extended beyond Crossroads, as he also appeared as Peter Stevens in The Archers, medical soap opera Doctors, and prison drama Bad Girls. Married to his wife Sheila since 1968, Henry welcomed two children, a son named Anthony and a daughter, Justine, who tragically died in a traffic accident at the age of 19.
As we reminisce about these iconic soap stars, it's clear that the 1970s were a golden age for British television, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's cultural landscape. From Pat Phoenix's memorable Elsie Tanner to Noele Gordon's sophisticated Meg Mortimer, these actors not only entertained but also became an integral part of British life, their characters and stories resonating with audiences for generations to come.
