Helena Bonham Carter stars in the first trailer for her upcoming ITVX drama, Nolly, which is set to air in early 2023.
The 56-year-old actress plays late Crossroads star Noele Gordon, who was fired without ceremony, warning or explanation at the height of the show’s success in 1981.
In the preview, the moments immediately after her sacking are depicted – where she hilariously tells the press that she was fired, despite being advised to say she ‘quit’
“Gentlemen, I have been sacked! Helena Bonham Carter stars in the first trailer for her upcoming ITVX drama, Nolly, which is set to air in early 2023
Before speaking to reporters, Noele is told: “Now remember, you quit. That’s good, that was always your plan.
“You resigned because you wanted to, the decision to resign is yours and yours alone.”
Yet she shocks his right-hand man by defying his advice, telling reporters, “Gentlemen, I’ve been sacked.”
In character: The actress, 56, plays late Crossroads star Noele Gordon, who was fired without ceremony, warning or explanation at the height of the show’s success in 1981
Action: In the preview, the moments immediately after her sacking are depicted – where she hilariously tells the press that she was fired, despite being advised to say she ‘quit’
Tip: Before talking to reporters, Noele is told: ‘Now remember, you quit. That’s good, that was always your plan’
The BAFTA winner has previously filmed the program alongside Mark Gatiss, who plays the soap opera star’s best friend, Larry Grayson.
Speaking about her role, according to The Mirror, she said: “When I read the script it was like a gift.” A dream. It’s like meeting someone and falling in love.
“I watched Crossroads. So I knew Noele Gordon as a character, but I hadn’t really factored in the sacking.
Mark added that his role was “a joy” to film.
“It’s like meeting someone and falling in love!” Helena recently gushed about her ‘dream’ role (pictured November 2022)
The three-part miniseries, written by Russell T Davies, will explore the almighty reign and fall from grace of the inimitable Noele, who died in 1985.
Noele was declared the ‘Queen of the Midlands’ thanks to Meg Mortimer’s iconic role in Crossroads and was the darling of the establishment until it turned against her.
As the flaming-haired widow Meg on the long-running soap opera Crossroads, Noele has become one of Britain’s most famous people.
Uncanny: The BAFTA winner said: ‘When I read the script it was like a gift. A dream. It’s like meeting someone and falling in love’ (pictured, left in character. Photo Meg’s archive, right)
Then in 1981, at the height of the show’s success and height of fame, she was unceremoniously fired, without warning and without explanation, with the soap opera finally ending two years later.
With the boss’ words “all good things must come to an end” ringing in her ears, Noele found herself kicked out of the show that had been her life for over 18 years.
A love letter to a TV legend and the crazy soap opera she starred in, Nolly will be an entertaining journey through Noele’s most tumultuous years and a crisp, loving and heartbreaking portrait of a forgotten icon.
Of the role, Helena previously said: ‘Noele Gordon was a fascinating, complex, brilliant and daring woman – who I knew nothing about before reading the screenplay by Russell T Davies.’
Talented: She previously filmed the program alongside Mark Gatiss, who plays soap opera star Larry Grayson’s best pal
“I am so thrilled to help tell the long overdue and largely forgotten story of Nolly.
“Russell’s screenplay is a brilliant piece of work and I hope I do him and Nolly justice. I am excited to begin.
Nolly was commissioned for ITV by theater manager Polly Hill, who commented: “Russell’s scripts are beautiful and a great tribute to Noele Gordon, but also to our national love of soap operas and a celebration of the incredible women that they create.
“Helena Bonham Carter is going to be amazing as Nolly and we can’t wait for her to step into those shoes.”
Russell said, “One of my very first television jobs was a screenplay for Crossroads, and I’ve wanted to write the behind-the-scenes story of that show for 40 years. Finally, the truth can be told!
Noele, who had already played several theatrical roles before landing her role in Crossroads, played Meg from 1964 to 1981, then returned for a two-episode stint in 1983.
After being written off the show, Noele’s poor health prevented her from accepting many other roles and she died in 1985 at the age of 66.
Nolly will be available on ITVX in early 2023, following the streaming service’s launch on December 8.
Throwback: Noele was declared ‘Queen of the Midlands’ thanks to Meg Mortimer’s iconic role in Crossroads and was the darling of the establishment until it turned against her (pictured in 1981)