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mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

The BBC is axing children's TV school drama Grange Hill after 30 years.

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 began on 8 February 1978 and featured some tough storylines about social issues including drugs and teenage pregnancy over the years.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7230566.stm

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I stopped watching it years ago. It was good when it first started.

RockitRon · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 7646

What Anne Gilchrist really means is that childrens' television has changed a lot since 1977. It now seems to cater mostly for those aged eight to ten who want to run around and shout a lot. GH's creator Phil Redmond said that it had lost its way after its focus was changed to cater for the younger element.

My son never bothered with it as he thought, even 6-7 years ago, that it bore no relation to anything he saw at his normal state comp.

I was far too old to have a primary interest in it, even when it started, though I seem to remember seeing it a couple of times. Best scene was when Perry Benson observed to Ben Elton "this is the only school where no-one says "F***" Wink

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Ron

iwarburton · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 2133 Location: Northumberland

I'll be sorry to see Grange Hill lock its doors but perhaps the time has come.

I haven't seen it for some years but it was a must when the boys lived at home and I saw a fair sprinkling of episodes at that time.

I don't recall ever having a problem with the storylines, for evil was always seen to be punished.

My favourite staff member was Mrs McClusky (Gwynneth Powell), who was a firm but fair Head, with a dry sense of humour. It's difficult to recall all the pupils on the roll but I would say that my favourite was probably Tucker Jenkins (Todd Carty). Nice to see Mr Carty being interviewed on the News yesterday evening.

Would UK Gold or Drama like to re-run some of the early episodes?

Ian.

RockitRon · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 7646

The most likely digital channels appear to be Trouble or Nickleodeon. The UKTV channels (owned 50-50 by BBC and Virgin) don't cater for the young, and CBBC's range gives out at about ten. I suppose it would depend on cost, repeat fees etc. anyway.
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Ron

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

UK Gold will repeat them? Or Grange Hill Now and Then Laughing