Giggling With Gwyneth

Head-teacher Mrs McCluskey was rarely remembered for her jokes, yet actress Gwyneth Powell has been hugely successful in the world of television comedy with roles in Moving Wallpaper, The Gemma Factor and of course Channel 4’s hit comedy ‘Man Down’. Playing ‘Mum’ to writer Greg Davies’ lead character Dan, Gwyneth has appeared in all four series of the sitcom, in a role that was personally written for her. The latest series begins on
Wednesday 25th October on Channel 4. Earlier series can be found here.

 

In Need Of The 80s

(L-R Gwyneth Powell (Mrs McCluskey), Alison Bettles (Fay Lucas),  Erkan Mustafa (Roland Browning), Todd Carty (Tucker Jenkins) and Lee Macdonald (Zammo Maguire))

BBC Children In Need runs a range of fundraising events every year, but this year there is a special Grange Hill connection. On Thursday 19th October, Wembley SSE Arena played host to ‘Children In Need Rocks The 80s’; a concert showcasing the chart stars of the 80s, including Bananarama, Jason Donovan, Boy George, Nick Heyward and er…. the cast of Grange Hill!

Of course the Grange Hill cast had a top ten hit in 1986 with ‘Just Say No’; but more importantly Grange Hill was a huge part of 1980s youth culture and something the audience would definitely remember.

Selfie time for Zammo and Boy George

Cast members Erkan Mustafa (Roland), Lee Macdonald (Zammo), Gwyneth Powell (Mrs McCluskey), Alison Bettles (Fay Lucas) and original star Todda Carty (Tucker) were invited as special guests to appear on stage in-between some of the musical acts.

” We were there with all these huge 80s acts, and then we get up on stage, and the cheers were so loud, Gwyneth couldn’t even say her words as she got drowned out!” Erkan told us. It was an event that these key cast members were delighted to be invited to, and very surprised by the reaction they received.

Children In Need Rocks The 80s is due to be broadcast on BBC1 in November 2017. You can donate to Children In Need here.

Here’s Claire!

Coming soon is an exclusive interview with Paula-Ann Bland who played Claire Scott from series 4 onwards. Paula talks to us about life at Grange Hill and why she’s looking forward to celebrating the 40th birthday of such a special show.

Keep your eyes open for the interview online soon. Whilst you’re waiting; check out our wide selection of cast interviews by clicking the interview tabs.