Tony Adams dead: Crossroads legend dead at 84 as tributes pour in

British soap actor Tony Adams, best known for his role as Adam Chance in Crossroads, has died aged 84. As tributes poured in, it was revealed that the legend died at Sussex County Hospital in Brighton on Saturday, with his wife Christine by his side. Born Anthony Sawley Adams in Anglesey, Wales, in 1940, the actor trained at the Italia Conti theatre school before making his debut on screen. Following performances on the stage, Tony shot into the limelight as Dr Neville Bywaters in the 1970s soap General Hospital before starring in the Doctor Who series The Green Death, which aired in 1973.

By 1978, he had become a household name thanks to his unforgettable role as accountant Adam Chance in the hit soap Crossroads. The series ended in 1988 after more than 4,500 episodes, where Tony continued to feature until the finale. Alongside his co-stars Jane Rossington and Kathy Staff, he was one of the original cast members to return for the reboot when Crossroads was revived in 2001. Leading the tributes, Michael Rose, of The Michael Rose Organisation Ltd, described Tony as an "absolute joy," adding: "He was one of the warmest gentlemen you could wish to work with."

Michael continued: "He was an absolute joy. He was a dancer originally but there was nothing Tony couldn't do. He was a very accomplished actor, he was a really good dancer and singer.

"He played Grandpa Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and was a joy to have in the company, as he was in every company. We shall miss him."

Augustus Prew, who starred alongside Tony in Nolly and portrayed Adams in the drama, fondly remembered him as a "magical man" during interviews.

In 2023, the actor made a cameo appearance in Nolly, a three-part drama by Russell T Davies which tells the story of Crossroads actress Noele Gordon.

During his life, Tony spoke fondly about his role in Crossroads and revealed that he had kept in close contact with some cast members.

Reflecting on his favourite moment on the show, the late actor shared: "My favourite storyline has to be Adam and Jill's honeymoon in Venice." Tony also admitted his role on the show saw him somewhat typecast as an actor.

"To some extent, yes," he said when asked. "Although I have played a wide range of roles since Adam including Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Von Trapp in Sound of Music, Higgins in My Fair Lady none of whom are exactly villainous. In pantomime, however, I am usually cast as the villain which I love."

Heartbroken fans issued their emotional tributes on social media, as one penned: "Such sad news, RIP Tony Adams. Wonderful actor. Now reunited with Nolly in that great Motel in the sky."

Another added: "RIP Tony Adams, kind and supportive to the Fan Club and remained a patron of Crossroads Care right up to the end."

"Sad to see Tony Adams has passed away. I remember watching him as Adam Chance in the new version of Crossroads back in 2001," a third echoed.