Soapworld
Noele Gordon House opens its doors in East Ham
The original ‘Queen of British Soap Opera’ Noele Gordon, star of Crossroads, has had a housing complex named in her honour…
Following the resurgence of interest in the midland-motel bases saga – and Noele Gordon – thanks to ITVX drama Nolly, Newham Council last year revealed that Noele Gordon House would be named in celebration of the performer who was born in East Ham in 1919.
In Crossroads’ 60th anniversary year the site has now opened to residents with the opening ceremony taking place at the end of August.
Noele became a pioneer across theatre and television from 1938 through to 1984, with West End and TV firsts ranging from being the first person transmitted to a colour TV set, ITV’s first female executive and the first woman to interview a prime minister. In these days where many women feel their rights are being eroded after decades of fighting for them, Noele was at the forefront of ‘girl power’ leading the way for women in TV. As Anne Dimond says “we owe a lot to her”.
Newham Council, impressed by the life story of Noele – nicknamed Nolly, announced the building in East Ham was to be named after the Lunchbox presenter in early 2023. Construction was already underway when the name for the complex was finally decided upon.
Noele Gordon was one of the most famous popular culture faces in the 60s and 70s.
Newham Council statement:
“We’ve named a block of new council homes being built in East Ham after her – part of our original programme to build 1,000 council homes. Our new programme is to deliver a further 1,500 homes.”
The block of 75 new Later Living council homes, built on the former Hartley Centre on Barking Road, also contains social areas and a medical centre. Noele Gordon House offers 55 one-bedroom apartments and 20 two-bedroom apartments. More details, including a PDF brochure, can be found at the Newham Council website.
The Nolly drama – now streaming on ITVX and the STV Player – stars Helena Bonham Carter as the flame-haired soap queen who lost her crown in 1981 when producer Jack Barton had the performer sacked from Crossroads after ‘one row too many’.
Noele died in 1985, and while she has a loyal fanbase online, the star had pretty much all but faded from the spotlight. ITV last paid tribute to Noele in 2012 with a half-hour Unforgettable Noele Gordon documentary. There is also a documentary about Noele’s life The Real Nolly, also available on ITVX/STV Player
Helena Bonham Carter as Noele in ITVX/STV Player drama Nolly
