School's Out Forever

Wed Feb 06 01:50PM by TV Editor

Todd Carty

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The BBC has announced that it is to axe long-running children's drama series Grange Hill.

Grange Hill, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this Friday (nice timing!), will not be recommissioned after the current series ends.

Speaking about the decision, CBBC Controller Anne Gilchrist said: "The lives of children have changed a great deal since Grange Hill began and we owe it to them to reflect this."

The series has tackled controversial issues such as teenage pregnancy, racism and, most famously, drug abuse during its 30-year-run.

The Zammo Maguire drugs storyline in the '80s even spawned the infamous charity single Just Say No.

The series also helped launch the careers of the likes of Todd Carty, Susan Tully and Michelle Gayle - and a teenage Naomi Campbell even popped up as an extra.

Last month the show's creator Phil Redmond called for the show to be scrapped over plans to move away from hard-hitting storylines in a bid to appeal to younger viewers. His prayers have been answered!

Will you be sad to see the end of Grange Hill? Who are your favourite characters and what are your memories of the series?

- Read about Tucker's Luck and more TV spin-offs

- Watch an interview with two Grange Hill stars

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User comments

  • (21)

    I started high school at the same time Grange Hill first started. I loved it and often wondered what became of Alan and Susi and if they ever got together in later years. I hope they did!

    Posted by: fifibee on Wed Feb 06 04:20PM | Report abuse
  • (22)

    disgrace by bbc they would rather have cartoons or postman pat no actors to pay not all kids like cartoons they have to have something to relate to like a hero or have a crush on ....

    Posted by: ellenhooley on Wed Feb 06 04:20PM | Report abuse
  • (23)

    As long as they don't axe Blue Peter, I couldn't care less.

    Posted by: dmb_2000_uk on Wed Feb 06 04:20PM | Report abuse
  • (24)

    yeh i thought it had finished years ago aswell

    Posted by: malcnash on Wed Feb 06 04:21PM | Report abuse
  • (25)

    I grew up with Tucker and his lot - I used to think he was lush too - ewww. It's a shame but I guess all good things must come to an end. Oh the memories! :-)

    Posted by: hermie65 on Wed Feb 06 04:21PM | Report abuse
  • (26)

    Started the year I started senior school. BBc always axes good shows and continues with the rubbish ones like my family and my hero!!!

    Posted by: j.pee69 on Wed Feb 06 04:23PM | Report abuse
  • (27)

    ahhh, i used to be an extra in Grange hill with a good few speaking parts! awww the good owl days!

    Posted by: heidik87 on Wed Feb 06 04:23PM | Report abuse
  • (28)

    NOOOOOOOOOO :(

    Posted by: jess.roberts2 on Wed Feb 06 04:24PM | Report abuse
  • (29)

    im 33 and remember i couldnt wait to get home from school to watch it, i must have been about 13 and i loved it, i had a huge crush on ziggy greaves he was my favourite all time character, along with all the others of that era, i carried on watching it, but it was never the same once that lot left, its a pitty the next generation of fans have not experienced it the way we did, it should feature on the watch with mother series, i will definately tell my daughter about it, and remember it how it used to be. definately a cult classic and time to end, well done phil redmond for making my school days more pleasureable i think back then it was on a tuesday and a friday, and my first crush.

    Posted by: kirstymutlow on Wed Feb 06 04:24PM | Report abuse
  • (30)

    loved grange hill, could wait to get home from school to watch it . an the flying sausage in the opening tiltes was great

    Posted by: hughes302 on Wed Feb 06 04:24PM | Report abuse