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

  • (31)

    Its a shame that this programme has been axed, it has been watched by thousands in its time, I used to watch it, my parents did as children and my young sister also. It teached children a lot, and I would say benficial to a point.

    Posted by: l.jeffery1 on Wed Feb 06 04:27PM | Report abuse
  • (32)

    Be great if they'd start repeating Grange Hill from the beginning,say evenings on BBC2 for us grown ups to enjoy all over again!...its a repeat i would watch at least!

    Posted by: barry.orchard on Wed Feb 06 04:28PM | Report abuse
  • (33)

    These were the best days of my life

    Posted by: markmarkymarky on Wed Feb 06 04:29PM | Report abuse
  • (34)

    I love Grange Hill and have watched every epiosode, I will miss it.

    Posted by: mcflyfanhere on Wed Feb 06 04:30PM | Report abuse
  • (35)

    Hi there. Just a few words to say that I am 43 years of age, and I can remember the very first episode of Grange Hill, whenever I was a young teenager. I continued to watch Grange Hill over a 6 year period, this was part of my life, and because I was going through the High School period I found that I could relate to most of the issues that were happening at Grange Hill. Bravo to Phil Redmond and the BBC for the overall seris of Grange Hill, it was brilliant, I think it will be sadly missed. Many thanks. From a Grange Hill fan.

    Posted by: alan582 on Wed Feb 06 04:31PM | Report abuse
  • (36)

    Devastated; of course its 25 years since I watched. Tucker Jenkins, Benny, Alan, Trish, Cathy- Legends!!!!

    Posted by: jjjdk07 on Wed Feb 06 04:31PM | Report abuse
  • (37)

    Roland....what a legend!

    Posted by: veggiepan on Wed Feb 06 04:33PM | Report abuse
  • (38)

    this is stupid what are we teenagers meant to watch!!!!!!!! Lazytown??? Cbeebies??? cas the range nowdays is just rubbish!!!!

    Posted by: emily.garrett on Wed Feb 06 04:35PM | Report abuse
  • (39)

    I'm an old git (mid 40s) and can remember it starting. A sad loss but I think that the BBC are right to move with the times. I wouldn't want to see deteriorate into just another soap - who remembers when 'Casualty' was good?

    Posted by: davidkclarke on Wed Feb 06 04:35PM | Report abuse
  • (40)

    one word Tucker jenkins

    Posted by: argosious on Wed Feb 06 04:36PM | Report abuse