Jane Gurnett Interview

For the 40th anniversary of Crossroads Jane Gurnett, who played hotel Manager Kate Russell, talks about her time on Crossroads.

What are your favourite memory/memories of your time in Crossroads 2001/2?

Central TV The times when we would all pull together and really get through the work and feel a sense of achievement.

Do you visit any of the Crossroads internet sites such as Crossroads 2001 or The Crossroads Appreciation Society?

No, because I'm hopeless on the computer.

What was your overall favourite storyline?

I didn't have one, because it just rolled one into another. Each thing affected the next event.

What was your opinion of Crossroads MK 3, much has been said of the timeslot it was given, particularly since it was apparently targeting an audience it couldn't get, but was such a massive revamp in the way it happened helpful to Crossroads' cause?

I really don't know I only know that different people have different ideas and no one is trying to sabotage themselves.

Do you keep in contact with ex cast members?

Yes, quite a few.

What are your favourite TV shows?

I don't watch much T.V but I loved Ally McBeal and Sex and the City.

What would be your dream role on stage, film or TV?

I don't have one, I just love to work and have fun!

What is you opinion of the 2003 axing?

A great shame.

What are your plans for the future?

Doing a play in Chichester called Three Women and a Piano Tuner. Possibly a film in October.

What is your favourite music?

Jazz, Classical, R&B.

What are your favourite films?

Green Mile, The Piano, Cry Freedom, Thin Red Line. Central TV

Much has been said about how New Crossroads failed to build on the past and facts/continuity/style/feel of Old Crossroads and was, to all intents and purposes, not "Crossroads as we remember it". How would you respond to that?

Perhaps changes should have been a little slower but really it is all very well in life to be wise with hindsight. I don't blame anyone.

In your opinion, do you think Crossroads will ever come back to UK commercial television or another channel in light of the spectacular way that Mark III failed?

I doubt it. Sadly - But you never know!

Thank you Jane, is there anything else you would like to add?

Just to say that I am/was as sad as anyone that Crossroads came to an end. I think that the constant changing of time slots at the very beginning of Mark II, then taking it off for months doesn't really help. But I can't believe that anyone would try NOT to make it work. Where is the sense in that? Ultimately I work from the premise that all I can do as an actor (a small cog in the wheel) is commit to the work I do and do my best and enjoy myself.

Finally, do you have any message for your fans who will be reading this interview?

Yes, thank you, really thank you, I loved the character of Kate and so thank you for taking such an interest.