School's Out Forever

Wed Feb 06 01:50PM by TV Editor

Todd Carty

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

  • (51)

    Grange hill is the best programe around.i have been waiting and waiting for it to come back on our TV screens.if it is not shown on the BBC (CBBC)then iall my waiting was for nothing so if they do noot let Grange hill on our TV screens i will hate the BBC (CBBC)

    Posted by: lucy.cockings on Wed Feb 06 04:52PM | Report abuse
  • (52)

    when are they bringing out zammo etc series on DVD anyone know?

    Posted by: kqjo33 on Wed Feb 06 04:52PM | Report abuse
  • (53)

    Thought the show was great when i was young. 40 now still remember how good it was.

    Posted by: roberthiddleston on Wed Feb 06 04:54PM | Report abuse
  • (54)

    such a shame have enjoyed this programe since i was at school 30 years ago

    Posted by: prentice461 on Wed Feb 06 04:55PM | Report abuse
  • (55)

    When I was growing up I watched it as it was educational in respect to relating to how life is at school and how to deal with certain issues without asking.I wanted to state that I am shocked to hear that it is going for my childrens sake.My boy is 9 and I know he would of liked to watch it when he starts secondary.Shame on the people who wants to axe it because they want to do something different.Let the children decide!!!.

    Posted by: david_massie on Wed Feb 06 04:58PM | Report abuse
  • (56)

    Trisha Yates, Tucker oh the memories!!

    Posted by: jakegreig on Wed Feb 06 04:58PM | Report abuse
  • (57)

    LOVED GRANGE HILL WHEN I WAS A KID HONESTLY DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS STILL ON

    Posted by: hunterso4 on Wed Feb 06 05:00PM | Report abuse
  • (58)

    8i

    Posted by: keith.liz.ellis on Wed Feb 06 05:09PM | Report abuse
  • (59)

    Most of you guys have been way too kind! Yet again we have higher corporate powers within TV production, seeminly un@#$%cted to the viewers, for whatever reason, robbing us of a beloved cult institution for what probably amounts to corporate selfishness. Doing it for their own reasons. Were fan clubs consulted or given some say?? If not then surely it must be some form of selfishness from those in corporate position. I remember most the main characters like Gonch Gardener but one that looked physically like me at Comp. School was Matthew Pearson. GH RIP.

    Posted by: anderson848 on Wed Feb 06 05:10PM | Report abuse
  • (60)

    Grange Hill filmed at an outdoor school in Wales near Tywyn and I had the pleasure of being asked (with some school mates) to be extras. Met Rowland, Zammo etc it was a real honour. Great times. Where could I get the video? stevewilliamscv@yahoo.co.uk

    Posted by: stevewilliamscv on Wed Feb 06 05:10PM | Report abuse