As Grange Hill turns 40, we track down all the stars of kids’ telly favourite
We show you what some old favourites look like . . . and just what they’ve been getting up to since they left school
IT was the inner-city school where cheeky Zammo Maguire and top dog Tucker Jenkins roamed and cries of “Flipping ’eck, Tucker!” rang out.
But if you remember BBC kids’ show Grange Hill, you may feel a bit, well, over the hill to learn it was 40 years ago this week that the fictional London comp threw open its doors in 1978.
The school bell may have rung for the last time in 2008 but the show and its theme tune ring clear in the minds of many.
It was a launchpad for the likes of EastEnders Susan Tully and Patsy Palmer, and singer Michelle Gayle. But one of the cast cleans up cutting keys.
Here, we show you what some old favourites look like . . . and just what they’ve been getting up to since they left school.
Tucker Jenkins
Played by TODD CARTY
Todd was so popular as the lovable rogue Tucker that he got his own series, Tucker’s Luck, for three years.
He then played Mark Fowler in EastEnders until 2003 before joining The Bill as evil Gabriel. Last Christmas he played King Rat in panto Dick Whittington, at Eastbourne.
Mrs McClusky
Played by GWYNETH POWELL
One of the show’s most famous faces, Gwyneth was super-permed headteacher Mrs McClusky during her reign from 1981 to 1991.
She has since featured in Heartbeat, A Touch Of Frost, Casualty and Holby City. She lives in Sussex with her actor husband Alan Leith.
Trevor Cleaver
Played by JOHN DRUMMOND
As gobby Trevor, who developed gambling and alcohol problems, actor John was one of Grange Hill’s longest-serving stars, from 1983-91.
He later went on to appear in TV dramas including The Bill and Casualty but then gave up acting to run a DIY store.
Benny Green
Played by TERRY SUE-PATT
Terry played Tucker Jenkins’ footie-loving pal Benny and was the first child through the school gates back in February, 1978.
Sadly the actor was found dead in his London flat in 2015, aged 50. Police fear his body may have lain there for a month before it was found.
Natasha
Played by PATSY PALMER
Having had just a bit-part as Natasha in 1987, Patsy became a household name through her portrayal of troubled Bianca Butcher in EastEnders.
She held the role from 1993 to 2014. Today she lives in Los Angeles where she has become a successful DJ.
Tegs Ratcliffe
Played by SEAN MAGUIRE
Just 11 when he took on the role of lovable Tegs, Sean was later homeless druggie Aidan Brosnan in EastEnders.
He then moved to America where he played Donovan Brink in the sitcom Eve – and had a swashbuckling role in 2008 action movie spoof Meet The Spartans.
Claire Scott
Played by PAULA ANN BLAND
One of the show’s iconic characters, Claire was a child of overprotective parents.
Paula, who played her, later landed a record deal for a cover version of The Locomotion.
She also moved to Los Angeles for a time before returning to London to set up a publicity firm.
Trisha Yates
Played by MICHELLE HERBERT
After playing bad-girl, make-up loving Trisha Yates for five years, cast member Michelle gave up acting to work for a major sweet manufacturer.
She then later joined her husband in their family glazing business. In 2015 she underwent a mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Zammo Maguire
Played by LEE MacDONALD
After starring as heroin addict Zammo, actor Lee later tried to become a boxer. Unfortunately, a car accident in the early Nineties left him unable to return to the ring. He now runs a key-cutting shop in Wallington, Surrey.
Roland Browning
Played by ERKAN MUSTAFA
Erkan featured and tubby Roland Browning, who suffered at the hands of Grange Hill’s bully boy Gripper Stebson.
He later appeared in Blackadder’s Christmas Carol and, in 2014, he organised a charity reunion, where Grange Hill stars chatted with hordes of fans.
Fiona Wilson
Played by MICHELLE GAYLE
After Fiona, Michelle was part of rap duo Fresh ’n’ Fly and went on to star in London’s Burning and as Hattie Tavernier in EastEnders.
But she is most famous for her singing – with seven top 40 singles in the Nineties, including big hit Sweetness. She now writes novels.