Goodbye George

It is with sadness that Grange Hill Gold has to report that George Armstrong who played Alan Humphries between series 1 and 5 and in all three series of spin-off Tucker’s Luck, has passed away. George had been fighting leukaemia in recent years, yet remained upbeat and positive. His death lead to a huge outpouring of sadness from Grange Hill fans who had engaged with the character from episode 1.

However, behind the scenes, George proved himself to be even more likable than Alan with cast paying tribute to him.

Co-star Todd Carty who played Alan’s best mate Tucker said in a statement he was “so sorry to hear about George’s passing. I loved working with him and we hit it off straight away. Working on Grange Hill with George were some of the happiest days of my life. He was a kind, modest and humble man, and was always there for others and he always ‘had your back’. My deepest sympathies to his family at this time. You will never be forgotten my friend.'”

Robert Craig Morgan, who played Justin Bennett and was George’s closest friend off set said “Goodbye my friend. I loved you George xx”.

Claire Scott actress, Paula Ann Bland posted online “Kind, funny, loyal and 100% goodness….. Georgie my dear friend I can’t believe you’ve gone. Absolutely gutted Rest In Peace sweet angel I’ll miss you coming over and ‘fiddling’ with my electrics…. Made me laugh so much ….. your friendship, love and loyalty will forever be in my heart”.

Tucker’s Luck and Grange Hill co star, Paul McCarthy (Tommy Watson) said : “So sad, he was a bright light, always had a smile and a laugh, even through the worst of times. I’m going to miss the big man.”

Roland actor, Erkan Mustafa posted the following tribute : “I first met this man when I was 11 years old, he was Alan Humphries to me back then. Over the years he simply become George the most funnest, warmest, talented, with a giggle to die for, he was one of the most nicest people you could ever have around you. The last number of years he become one of the strongest, bravest of men, a true warrior he put up a fight like Rocky and won so many rounds but the last bell has now rang. You will be missed by all that have ever set eyes you, spent time with you and lucky enough to have you in their life. “

Grange Hill Gold was fortunate enough to meet George several times and in 2018 carried out an interview with him about his time on Grange Hill. You can read this here.

Grange Hill podcast, Sausage On A Fork will dedicate their next episode to George, making it a tribute to him with cast reminiscences and tributes. Grange Hill Gold was honoured to be able to provide audio from our interview with George for this upcoming episode.

“KENDALLLLLLLLLLL!”

Grange Hill’s legendary anti-hero Danny Kendall made a huge impact on viewers during his four years on the show, from his first appearance smoking in school to his last appearance being found dead inside Mr Bronson’s car.

Grange Hill Gold is delighted to be able to publish our exclusive interview with Jonathan Lambeth who played Danny from 1986-1989. Find out about how onscreen enemies became friends, whether Jonathan shared Danny’s artistic talent, who came up with the idea of killing Danny off and much more in our in-depth interview now online!

Click here to read

With huge thanks to Jonathan Lambeth

Don’t forget to check out our archive of exclusive interviews by clicking on the ‘Interviews’ tabs in our menu bar.

BBC 100 – Grange Hill

Tucker, Alan and Benny (1978)

As the BBC celebrates 100 years, Grange Hill has featured in several different ways. As well as being listed as one of BBC TV’s 100 iconic moments, the Grange Hill theme was also used as the backing for a routine on this week’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Wednesday 26th October sees a larger feature on Grange Hill, included as part of Kids Tv ; The Surprising Truth on BBC 1 at 9pm. Featuring a brand new interview with creator Phil Redmond, the programme sees presenter Konnie Huq exploring the impact of some of BBC’s children’s programming.

Grange Hill Gold was fortunate enough to be asked to provide research for this programme, and whilst we have been unable to see a preview, we look forward to seeing how the BBC remembers Grange Hill.

More details here.

Farewell Mrs McClusky

Grange Hill Gold is devastated to report the death of actress Gwyneth Powell who played Grange Hill’s unforgettable headmistress Mrs McClusky.

Gwyneth Powell

Gwyneth passed away in hospital on 8th September, following complications from an operation.

A qualified teacher herself, Gwyneth went into repertory theatre, leading to the Bristol Old Vic. From their television roles in Dixon of Dock Green and Z Cars, amongst others, followed.

It was in Grange Hill’s fourth series that Gwyneth arrived playing headmistress Mrs McCluskey. It was a role with which she would forever be associated, staying until 1991. However it was also a role which she nearly turned down, only accepting after being persuaded by her young niece and nephew.

Gwyneth continued to act regularly with roles in A Touch Of Frost, alongside David Jason, and Greg Davies’ Man Down. She was also a keen traveller.

In later life, Gwyneth embraced her role in Grange Hill as she began to realise how well remembered it was. For Grange Hill Gold our enduring memory of Gwyneth is seeing her attend her first Grange Hill convention, back at the original school. As her name was announced and a series of her greatest moments played on the screen, the room erupted into spontaneous applause, taking Gwyneth by surprise and causing her to become quite emotional. She truly was the Queen of Grange Hill.

You can read our interview with Gwyneth here.

Her fellow co-stars left tributes on social media.

“On Thursday we lost our Queen too. There are only a few true Grange Hill icons and I was lucky enough to work with this one. She was a special lady, a brilliant actor and she looked out for us. Sleep well Gwyneth” – Ricky Simmonds (Ant Jones)

“So sad to hear about the loss of Gwyneth Powell aka Mrs McClusky. What a wonderful lady and will be missed by so many. She was a massive part of my childhood. Sleep well Gwyneth.” – Lee Macdonald (Zammo Maguire)

“Such sad news. She was the heartbeat of GH. Safe journey Mrs M xx” – Mark Baxter (Duane Orpington)

“R.I.P to the best headmistress I ever had.” Erkan Mustafa (Roland Browning)

“I am so sad to hear of the passing of the lovely Gwyneth Powell. Remembered by many as our Grange Hill headmistress Mrs McClusky. Gwyneth was a fantastic actress and dedicated to her performance. She was a kind and thoughtful lady. I wish her love and respect. Her Grange Hill family will cherish every moment of joy she brought to our childhoods. Thank you Gwyneth for the love and laughter.” – Paula Ann Bland (Claire Scott)

“Sad to hear my fictional headmistress of the 80s has passed away. A terrific lady and saintly for putting up with us. RIP Gwyneth” – Peter Moran – Pogo Patterson

RO-LAND REUNITED!

There’s nothing like a school reunion and Radio 4 have reunited some of Grange Hill’s best known classmates for a special programme. The Reunion – presented- by Kirsty Wark, reunites Todd Carty (Tucker), Lee Macdonald (Zammo), Erkan Mustafa (Roland) and Simon Nylander (Janet). Also featured is Sue Tully (Suzanne Ross).

The most popular faces from the early days of pioneering children’s drama Grange Hill are reunited. Todd Carty, Susan Tully and Lee MacDonald take Kirsty Wark back to school.

Whilst Erkan, Lee and Todd have all spoken publicly about their time at Grange Hill, Simone Nylander (who played Janet) has kept out of the limelight. Whilst Erkan and Simone have kept in touch since their schooldays, these photos are the first to show them reunited.

Below is the press release for the show, which is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Sunday 14th August at 11:15. A repeat is broadcast on Friday 19th August at 0900, or can be listened to online here https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001b3tw

When Grange Hill hit our screens in 1978 it was the first time ordinary British schoolchildren had seen characters like themselves reflected on screen. Phil Redmond’s pioneering drama, set in a fictional north London comprehensive school, ran for 30 years, making it one of the longest-running programmes on British television.

Controversial storylines included racism, periods, bullying and drugs. Inevitably there were complaints. Teachers and parents were scandalised by the upstart pupils who spoke back to teachers and agitated to ban school uniform. It didn’t stop the BBC instantly commissioning a second series with double the number of episodes.

Todd Carty, who played heartthrob Tucker Jenkins, got fan mail by the sack-load and won his own spin-off series Tucker’s Luck. Susan Tully, who played the bright but troubled Suzanne Ross, nearly left the series early after her Dad lost his job.

Lee MacDonald played Zammo McGuire who famously got hooked on heroin. The plotline sparked the recording of the hit anti-drugs single Just Say No by cast members and prompted an invite to the White House.

Erkan Mustafa, Simone Nylander, Todd Carty and Lee Macdonald

Also joining Kirsty is Erkan Mustafa whose character Roland Browning was bullied for his size, and Simone Nylander whose famous line; “I just want to help you Ro-land” became a national catchphrase.

Many of the cast went on to find fame in other long-running British dramas, most famously Tully and Carty who played siblings Michelle and Mark Fowler in Eastenders. For others though, the mass adulation ended once they walked through the gates of Grange Hill for the last time and back to real life.

SAUSAGE ON A FORK!

We love a good podcast and a bit of Grange Hill nostalgia – so we were delighted to listen to the Sausage On A Fork podcast, which, following in our own footsteps, tracks down GH Cast members and interviews them about their time on the show. Run by super-fan Neil Mattocks, the podcast covers the entire 30 years of Grange Hill and gives an in depth interview with a wide range of cast members. To date there have been 23 episodes and we can’t recommend them enough!

Interviewees so far include: Erkan Mustafa (Roland), Alison Bettles (Fay), George Christopher (Ziggy), Robert Craig-Morgan (Justin), Kevin Bishop (Sam Spalding), Gwyneth Powell (Mrs McClusky) and Ricky Simmonds (Ant Jones). As well as these cast members there are loads more from Series 1 onwards.

Neil really puts his guests at ease and focuses particularly on their school days at Grange Hill. There’s lots to find out from his chats with the cast.

You can listen here and on most other podcast channels by searching for Sausage On A Fork Podcast.

Grange Hill Gold gives this a gold star!

FOOTBALL FOR ALL

Congratulations to the England Lionesses who were victorious in this weekend’s Euro 2022 football tournament, proving that Football is a sport for all! Grange Hill was, of course, ahead of the curve almost 30 years ago, way back in Series 16. One of the key storylines of that series was the Year 8 girls battling with PE Teacher, Mr Robson, to ensure that there was a Grange Hill Girls’ Football team. Ultimately they were victorious, following a videoed protest during a hockey match, when a football came out and they chanted ‘Football For All!’. You can watch this moment below.

Congratulations to the England Lionesses!

Grange Hill Fanzine Now Available!

Way back in the early 80s, Grange Hill the TV series had its own magazine and annuals, whilst on screen Grange Hill school regularly had its own school magazine, fanzine or newsletter – always causing controversy and full of great content! Now in 2021, Grange Hill has its own specially dedicated fanzine for fans of the show. Thoroughly unofficial, its 76 pages cover our very favourite eras of Grange Hill and contain interviews and features. Highlights include interviews with Sarah Sugarman, Lisa Skeates and Mark Baxter, as well as a huge range of features about Mr Bronson, Grange Hill Couples and Tucker’s Luck. Packed full of photos and original content – we cannot recommend this fanzine enough! Not for sale in the school corridor, you can instead order your copy by visiting https://grangehillfanzine.bigcartel.com/products

The first print run has already sold out, but a further print run has just been commissioned and it is now back in stock. Order yours today!

John Alford Looks To Fund Civil Action

John Alford (aka GH’s Robbie Wright) was one of Grange Hill’s most popular actors, receiving more fanmail than any other cast member. After leaving Grange Hill, he went on to star in ITV’s London’s Burning as well as hitting the charts with a series of hits produced by Stock and Waterman. However, at the peak of his fame, John was the victim of a sting from ‘The News Of The World’ and their fake sheikh Mazer Mahmood. As a result of this John was convicted of supplying drugs to the reporter and was jailed for 9 months. As a result of the negative publicity, John lost his successful career.

It was only during the trial of singer Tulisa Contostavlos in 2014, who had been caught in a similar way, that the prosecution’s star witness, the “Fake Sheik” Mazher Mahmood, was caught lying on oath and the trial collapsed. He was later convicted of perverting the course of justice and himself jailed for 15 months. Suddenly all previous cases involving convictions based upon ‘Fake Sheikh’ stings were looked upon differently, and John decided to take the opportunity to clear his name.

“I now believe that the News of the World and the Sun hacked my phones and those of my family, friends and associates, and targeted us using other illegal techniques. I further believe that Mahmood has consistently failed to tell the truth about what he did and how he did it — in my case and in the case of other victims as well as at the Leveson Inquiry.” John Alford said. “I seek funding to sue News Group Newspapers — who are the responsible legal entity — to clear my name and bring those responsible to justice. “

John is crowdfunding his appeal and is receiving considerable support from the public, tired of fake, underhand journalism. You can contribute to John’s appeal here. If you want to find out more about John’s story in his own words, read his feature on the HackedOff website here We wish John well with this case and hope that its resolution will bring to an end this dark period.

GH On Britbox

Series 1 – 4 of Grange Hill made their debut on streaming service Britbox in January. Although delayed initially, the episodes were launched with a watchalong on Twitter and several media interviews. The episodes also come with a guidance warning stating ‘This classic children’s drama reflects the attitudes of its time and includes some racist language that may offend.’ The warning caused a lot of media coverage accusing the platform of censoring the material. However, as the original material contained racist language as part of its storylines, with discussion about the use of it and the upset it causes some of the characters, the series remains in full on Britbox. It seems even after 43 years Grange Hill can still be as controversial as ever.

You can watch Grange Hill Series 1-4 on Britbox here.