Don't axe Hankin - or else! 03/5/02
The Lilac Pilgrim begs mercy for Mr Hankin: "Just wanted to say - Lee, they CAN'T AXE YOU!!! If they even lay a finger on the character of Mr. Hankin I'll axe them!!!! Literally!!! They won't move Grange Hill, or axe my fave characters, or change the age group unless they're ready to rumble!!! So c'mon punks! Make my day......I will suffer trauma! Can't Mr Redmond see that Lee and others wish to stay? He should ask the actors how they feel. It's not fair on them if they're axed!" Good point - one of the flaws of being an actor is that one moment you're in demand and the next no-one wants you. Producers don't seem to realise that when they axe characters they're messing with peoples' livelihoods. Still, let's hope you don't end up traumatised!
GH helps teens cope with problems 03/5/02
Lottie Budgen, 15, writes: "Keep Grange Hill the same!!! You would be destroying one of the best things the BBC actually has left the series has worked for 25 years and changing the location and the view age would be suicide, what issues that could happen in a high school could possible be shown to 8-11 year olds. Grange Hill's stories happen to teenagers in real life and many of them are able to deal with there problems after seeing them on Grange Hill." You'e right Lottie - younger CBBC viewers are well-catered for with dramas like "Tracy Beaker" and "Home Farm Twins". Imagine GH being like these - pure entertainment and no substance.
What does it matter who is killed off? 03/5/02
"Regarding your comments of 7th April, as to which characters got killed in the last episode of season 25 of Grange Hill. Some soaps (eg. Emmerdale, Emergency Ward 10) have had some catastrophe occur so that they can write out a large number of the regular cast. But Grange Hill doesn't need to do this. Several of the pupils (Vicky, Ian) were leaving the school anyway, and there have been loads of pupils who've left the series between seasons and no explanation has been given for their absence. They probably moved and went to another school, but it isn't spelled out and doesn't need to be. Do you even know which actors have agreed to do the next series of Grange Hill, and which have decided to leave?"
Hi. I think many people will disagree with you here. When Emmerdale staged its plane crash viewers saw, over a period of months, who lived and who died and how the village got back on its feet again. The climax of GH Series 25 was very abstract and if the next series starts with a completely different setup, many viewers might feel alienated. Fans are not stupid - they do notice when characters disappear. In 2000, the CBBC message board was flooded with irate fans wanting to know why Zoe's departure was not explained on screen. Still no word on who's in the next series I'm afraid, keep watching this space!
To sign or not to sign? 07/4/02
After opposing the move to Liverpool, Michael Tyk is now in two minds: "I bet this petition has been wearing you out - 37 signatures as of Friday 19th. I was nearly tempted to sign today - still unsure. I don't wan't to bore you with all my views - but a change is as good as a rest especially as the show has gone stale from 1996 to 2000. I know what you mean upping it from London to Liverpool, just seems out of order after 25 years in London-but to be frank with you I am totally unsure whether I approve or not.
"Phil Redmond is a talented person in general, from overseeing projects of his own like Grange Hill and Hollyoaks and resurrecting Emmerdale, so surely a person of his talent/ability and even status can't fail with a move such as this. It is totally fair that is looked upon as doing something it should not after 25 years but Realistically Grange Hill could be set in any school." Hi Michael. Thanks for your concern but the petition is being run by PetitionOnline.com, all we have to do is check it every so often! It's entirely up to you whether you sign - the petition has been designed for anyone who wants it.
We agree Phil Redmond is talented (why else would GH have been successful in the first place?) but as we keep saying, the issue here isn't Phil Redmond's competence but the fact that a popular show might change beyond recognition.
Thanks Phil...for doing us out of a job 07/4/02
Darren Carter was an extra on Grange Hill and is angry towards Phil Redmond: "I worked as a supporting actor on the last series. I feel annoyed by the way Phil Redmond has treated everyone at Elstree; so many people are now out of a job just because Mr. Redmond decided to move to Liverpool. The chaperones have worked there for 25 years and that is how they are treated! All of the crew are out of work as well as most of the actors, including me! Phil's production team didn't even contact us to inform us we were jobless. however working on the show was great and I got to find out loads about the story and the cast." Hi Darren. Yes it does seem unfair many people are losing their jobs; I know that June Bettles, the head chaperone, has been there since 1978 and this must be a devastating blow for her. Still, at least no-one can take away your memories. Ironically Phil Redmond always wanted Grange Hill to be set in the North, but Grange Hill is now firmly etched in our perceptions as a London school and it's hard to change that after 25 years!
* June Bettles is the mother of Alison Bettles, who played Fay Lucas in the 1980s.
Too many Northern soaps already! 07/4/02
Darren Stokes writes: "Grange Hill is famous for Cockney accents and has always been set in The South! We have enough with Hollyoaks filmed in Liverpool and Brookside . I don't think this will improve the programme one bit! Keep Grange Hill in the South where it has been since the seventies!" Hi Darren. Most people here agree - Grange Hill belongs in London and that's where it should stay. But now Mersey TV is saying the move might not happen after all! Just WHO do we believe?!
Teen issues make GH what it is 07/4/02
Graham Large is another longtime fan: "A cull seems to be certain for the next series of Grange Hill. I am 17 years old and I have been watching Grange Hill since 1989, and I have to say Series 24 and 25 have been the best ones out of the lot. Last year, we saw the tremendous triangle storyline between Danny, Ozzie and Mr Hankin, this was done to absolute perfection. Why? Because it was targeted at an older age group. This year, the conflict between Ian and Mr Deverill, Lisa's attack and the continued fued between Danny and Ozzie have been excellently portrayed and acted. Grange Hill has always been great for budding young actors/actresses to further their career, by axing most of the current cast will be a stupid decision! I will certainly stop watching it if it becomes aimed at 8-11 year olds.
"Excellent performers such as Lisa, Danny, Ozzie, Matt, Cracker, Martin, Ian and Maddie will be sorely missed, so please don't axe them! I don't mind the school moving, I just hope to see mostly the same people in it next series." Hi Graham - you raise some valuable points. Grange Hill has been the launchpad for some famous acting careers and if it stops covering teen issues, a valuable springboard for talent will disappear. Mersey TV insists Grange Hill will remain a teen show, but it was them who initially said otherwise!
Amy's story must continue 07/4/02
The changes are a nasty shock for G. Curnow: "Until I logged on the net tonight I had not heard anything about this move to Liverpool. Although the location has changed before, this is quite a different matter. At the end of the day, though, it is the content of the show which will decide its success or otherwise. I am assuming that although the filming will now be in Liverpool rather than London we will be supposed to assume it is the same school. Other than a few bits of sight-seeing (didn't Ziggy go on a boat-trip on the Thames or something?) I don't know that London has been specified all that much over the years anyway. I think more worrying than the change of location is the reducing of the target audience age from (I guess) 11-16 to 9-11.
"Although the show has had its ups and downs I have really enjoyed the last few seasons. I have been watching Grange Hill ever since it started. Of particular note this year has been the storyline of Amy & her mother's cancer. Whereas "adult" soap-operas would probably have milked this a lot more, Grange Hill has made a virtue of its limitations (ie, the fact that it is aiming at a children/teenager audience rather than an adult audience and therefore can only go so far with certain things) and underplayed the whole thing with great dignity. Particularly the "washing-up" scene, and the box of presents scene, have been genuinely moving moments. I feel it would be a real let-down for us not to see Amy's story continue next year as she has to come to terms with her mother's death not just as an event, but as a fact of her life. At the end of the day, I suppose, we will have to wait and see.
"Whether this apparently major change is due to falling ratings, or dropping popularity, or simply a practical issue of it being more cost-effective to film in Liverpool, it is a big move. If the new series fails to bring back any (or only a few) of the current cast then it will find it hard to convince us that it really is the same show. I wonder what we'll all be saying about it in 12 months time???" True - look what happened when Crossroads relaunched with just three originals. Fans of the original show were alienated and ratings have been low. Yet Grange Hill's ratings are perfectly healthy so that's not the reason for the move - Phil Redmond wants to regain control of the show. But as they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating...
No Grange Hill here please! 07/4/02Darrell Whitehead is a Liverpudlian but still takes the majority view: "I reckon the move to Liverpool is bad one (despite being from Liverpool!). There's so much more that can be done in London. (eg. more bars, clubs, football stadia, concert arenas, attractions, shopping) And, anyway it's traditionally been a London school. The plan to try and have pupils from all over the country in an unnamed location is almost political correctness. I dread to think this could be the start of the end. Why not start a petition against the move?" Hi Darrell. You could be right there about political correctness, though I doubt Mersey TV would agree with you! Given how solid the opposition is to the move, we'll look in to the petition idea.
Could you imagine EastEnders moving? 29/3/02
Dave plans to vote with his feet: "I have been watching Grange Hill for the past eight series but there is no way I will be watching if they move the show to Liverpool and change of the majority of the cast. The most recent series has been the best I can remember with some superb preformances from the actors who play Amy, Ian and Ozzie. Moving Grange Hill to Liverpool is like moving Eastenders to Bradford, Hollyoaks to Southampton or Byker Grove to Norwich." Hi Dave. Unfortunately for you the move IS happening - the deal was signed a few weeks ago. But you're right about one thing - if they tried moving EastEnders to Bradford there'd be a riot!
Mr Hankin's future uncertain 29/3/02
Gemma Cowley is a sci-fi fan: "I was at the Red Dwarf convention this weekend. Lee Corners who plays Mr Hankin was there and he talked about Grange Hill moving to Liverpool. He seemed to think that if it does move to Liverpool then his character will be axed. I hope that this does not happen as the show would be nothing without him. Pleaseeee keep him in the show as it would be a shame to see him leave." Hi Gemma - oh this does get worse! We also think Mr Hankin is great and Lee Cornes is a highly talented guy - axing him would be perilous!
Cast axe - why all the fuss?
Mark Burns, himself from Liverpool, thinks we're panicking for nothing: "Just thought I'd offer my opinion on Grange Hill's proposed move to my home town. A lot of people are against it for reasons that a lot of the current cast will be axed, personally I can't see that being a problem. You have got to have continuation with each series, so I'm sure a good number would be kept on otherwise you may as well have a new show. So I'm sure the majority won't change just the location and with phil redmond i'm sure we'll get good storylines. It's a shame they are considering the move at the moment as the last two series have been excellent but prior to them I did think the show went a bit stale, I'm sure everything has been considered when the move takes place and I really hope the show will benefit. I think Grange Hill reflects events in schools all over the country and should not be confined just to London, so on that basis they are the wrong reasons to stop a move. It's all about opinions and the site has put up some good arguments for and against."
Hi Mark. You are in a minority of two at the moment but who knows, your supporters might come forward! I wish I could share your confidence about the cast though. What you say makes sense but I doubt that'll be good enough reason to spare the current clan. Thanks anyway for writing; we welcome ALL opinions here, pro or anti-move.
I welcome the move up north 29/3/02
The tide of opinion could suddenly be changing, as Michael Brand illustrates: "Hello, this is a really good site and I can't believe its took me this long to find it! I would like to say that I welcome the move to Liverpool, I believe that moving the show north could add some gritty realism that has been lacking in the programme since the late 80s. The producers have been forced to tackle issues such as bullying, sex, drugs etc as a preventative measure. I want to be able to relate to the issues in the show. Maybe the move north will force the producers and researchers to take a good look into the reality of the school social structure. thanks for providing me with a voice."
Hi Michael. You are the first person to welcome the move but we're not sure why you think Grange Hill could be grittier if made in Liverpool. Surely a series like GH canbe gritty whether it's set in London, Liverpool or Cornwall? Regardless of where you live school life is the same. What's upsetting many fans is that Grange Hill has always been a London school - and now Phil Redmond wants the setting to be unspecified. It's all to do with tradition.
Keep Grange Hill in London! 29/3/02
Steve Goldfinch says: "What a disaster! Don't they talk funny up north? GH was set in London so keep it there. Can you imagine the likes of Tucker and King Gripper speaking Scouse - to coin a phrase from Trisha Yates, 'Stoopid!' Keep it in the Capital."
Most cast "will be axed" 26/3/02
This anonymous message appears to confirm our worst fears about the cast: "It’s a shame that Grange Hill is moving to Liverpool. I am really sorry about it. I know most of the members of the cast aren't staying but please Adam stay!!!" Hi - where did you hear this? We telephoned Mersey TV earlier today and they insist no decisions have yet been taken regarding the cast. Yet you seem to think a mass cull is imminent - please no!
Don't lose the big issues! 26/3/02
Hello now to Natalie: "My view on the big change Phil Redmond is planning for Grange Hill is that there is just no need for it. In know he must feel a lot of pressure from the media and older fans who always go on about Grange Hill not being the show that it was in the 80's, but we are not in the 80's anymore and the programme has always been good at progressing in time. And I don't like the idea of it being aimed more at the younger viewers either. OK, it may provide a little light relief to see the younger years having fun, eg Darren and Calvin thinking up their next playground scam, but the serious issues affecting the older years, eg Lisa's attack or Evelyn's pregnancy 2 years ago, are just as important and I hope they aren't lost in future series. I love Grange Hill and it should stay the way it is at the moment - one of the best young person's dramas. Rant over. PS Best Grange Hill site on the net - keep up the good work!"
Hi Natalie, thanks for your kind comments! I'm not sure the changes have anything to do with pressure from older fans, Grange Hill is a children's show first and foremost and it does move with the times. But as you say many journalists always tend to compare today's Grange Hill with the original episodes. The deal with Mersey TV has now been signed so only a miracle would keep the show at Elstree now, I'm afraid.
Phil Redmond too big for his boots 22/3/02
Pete Shovlin joins the growing chorus of disapproval: "Hi! I must say I find it hard to believe that the rumours are true. I think Phil Redmond is out of order moving the school to Liverpool...it just doesn't make sense? Why not just start a different series set in Liverpool? Grange Hill has been consistently good across the years and is so well established it could got for another 25 years, and at the moment is the best it has been for some time, with Dodgy Deverill, Edgy jut-jaw Ian, and the slowly disbanding Double Dare gang. I've always respected Redmond but he's got too big for his boots...how come the BBC have lost the rights anyhow? Weren't they prepared to pay the money? Im gutted, Grange Hill will never be the same again."
Hi Pete. It's not a question of the BBC "losing the rights" - until now the BBC owned the rights to Grange Hill, having produced the show since the first episode. The programme will continue to be screened on BBC1, but that's about all that's guaranteed to be the same.
I may never meet Jessica! 22/3/02
There could at least be one consolation for Colin Blanchard when Grange Hill moves: "Just like to say also that I think moving the show will ruin it, as will aiming at younger people. I'm sick of animation on the BBC, much of it is very poor. However, the move to Liverpool will mean I will be close to the set and might finally be able to be an extra! Although I fear I won't get my chance to meet Jessica Staveley Taylor..." Hi Colin. Leah was seen leaving school in Thursday's episode because she was sick of Deverill (can you blame her?) But she did say she'd be back for her GCSEs, so we might see her again - this series at least. Leah is one of the most popular Grange Hill characters so let's hope she follows the series - and your wish is granted!
We need another Imelda! 19/3/02
It's not so much the move that's bugging Paul Miles: "To be honest what difference is it going to make whether it goes to Liverpool or not? The fact remains me and everyone else I know would like to see Grange Hill from the 1980s with Imelda Davis in. Are the new Grange Hills going to have anyone as good as she was and will they ever get anyone better than Gripper? I've lost count of how many times I've asked CBBC to show all these old episodes. the new ones are good on bbc1 at the moment but those ones with Imelda and Gripper in were the best. Phil Redmond - if you read this tell the BBC to bring them back."
Grange Hill has nothing to lose 19/3/02
Wendy Garde has lost faith: "It can only get better - it can't get any worse - CAN IT ???????????" Well Wendy, many fans like Grange Hill just the way it is and with major changes to the cast likely, people are hostile to the move. Sorry you're not enjoying the current series but if the show lost its most popular characters, some would say it could be worse!
Younger audience plan will ruin show 19/3/02
Laura Neal writes: "Hi, I've been watching Grange Hill for years and it's still such a good show with character and storylines you can get involved with. I just wanted to write and say that I think that changing the age it's aimed at will really spoil that effect, there aren't many shows on Cbbc that I can actually be bothered to sit through now and certainly not ones that keep me hooked like Grange Hill does. I also think that changing the cast would mean losing a really important aspect of the show because if anyone's like me then part of the shows appeal is getting to know the characters, relating to them, and caring about them enough that you tune in year after year to see what they're doing.
"Before anyone asks, yes I do realise that it's all fictional but we grow up with these characters they go through things we go through and how they cope helps us to cope, or not to cope as the case might be! What I'm trying to say is I believe very strongly that Grange Hill and it's characters has an important history and that should be taken into consideration when the new series is being made. Before I finish I'd like to say that I think the current cast are fantastic and so far this series is great and I can't wait to see what happens next." Hi Laura - you raise some valid points. One of the great things about Grange Hill is you see different sides to each character as the years progress. But if Phil Redmond aims the show at a lower age group this will reduce the scope Grange Hill has for covering social issues and thought-provoking storylines. Why not write to Phil Redmond expressing the concerns you have?
Does BBC have an ulterior motive? 13/3/02
Back now to Andrew Startup: "I wouldn`t be to surprised though if the BBC has had a hand in this wanting Grange Hill moved from Elstree to expand the EastEnders set. Why I suggested Grange Hill possibly being set in Chester, the setting for Hollyoaks, is its location. Because of its position in the country you would get a variety of regional accents such as Welsh, Lancastrian, and North Midlands/Derbyshire if this is what Phil is aiming for?" Well Andrew, it's well documented that Top Of The Pops moved out of Elstree so Holby City could expand, so it's possible. Perhaps the BBC needs to get itself some bigger studios!
Benny Green born again? 13/3/02
Mark Taylor has followed Grange Hill throughout: "As a fan since 1979, I can't see the point of moving. If B***r G***e can be set up north, why can't Grange Hill stay down south? At least, if the new series is going to be for younger kids,there should be another school-set drama series for teenagers. And I was foaming at the mouth watching last week's episodes.I hope the dramatic end to the series involves Deverill getting his comeuppance - preferably from Ian Hudson's fist! Finally-how about ex-pupils reappearing as parents or teachers? Say Benny Green, retired footballer and new sports teacher." Good point Mark. If Grange Hill redirects itself at 8-11 year olds there will be nothing for older viewers - read Adam Sopp's comments. It's possible old characters might reappear but unlikely we think, as today's youngsters probably won't know who Benny Green is! We'd love to see Ian lynch Mr Deverill but I think one or two parents would be upset of this happens!
From Grange Hill to Hollyoaks? 13/3/02
Andrew Startup thinks we've seen it all before: "I had hoped that Grange Hill would remain in London, but I get the impression that Phil Redmond is trying to return Grange Hill to his original concept of a school somewhere in England, and not London. It was only after Phil handed over control, that the BBC made Grange Hill a North London school. I am beginning to wonder to if he intends using Grange Hill as springboard for some characters to move into Hollyoaks, replacing those who leave.."
As you say Andrew, until Grange Hill moved to Elstree the programme's exact location was not stated. Yet from the very first episode it was obvious Grange Hill was a London School - even in the Tucker era London buses were sometimes seen. Perhaps some GH characters might reappear in Hollyoaks (Matt Musgrove hopped over from Brookside to Chester) but the question is, how many of the young cast will relocate?
No Scousers please! 13/3/02
Fraser Watson writes from Australia: "I was looking at the Can You Help page and I was shocked to see the mention of the move to Liverpool. I then went and read what everyone thinks about it. The only way that this move would be acceptable would be if it was simply regarded as a new set of buildings. It would have to be still in Northam and at least a good number of the actors would need to stay on. The street scenes would have to look similar to those used in suburban London. Also, one Scouse in the show is enough. It was always a novelty to hear Ziggy but a whole school of them wouldn't be right. Most kids should be Londoners or it will wreck it. I think GH needs to keep up with issues although I think that in the last few series they have made the show more of a teen only programme whereas before it appealed to all ages. This is only my view of course. The BBC can be real idiots sometimes. They destroyed my other favourite programme, Doctor Who, which was thoroughly English as Grange Hill is thoroughly London."
Fear not Fraser! Our understanding is most of the Scousers will be behind the cameras though the odd one might appear on screen. Making sure everything looks similar will be one of the problems when the show moves. The BBC would have to 'clone' the flats overlooking the Grange Hill playground and more! But then again Phil Redmond wants to do away with the Northam setting so scenery won't matter that much to him.
Jay Foreman, who has appeared in Grange Hill, laments the move up North: "Just found your website today! I wasn't really a fan of Grange Hill until about December 1999 when I was asked to be an extra in it! So I started watching it for a few weeks, and started filming the next March. I thought it was really really really weird walking around in something you've seen on the telly!
"I'm disappointed it's moving to Liverpool! I don't think it'll work the same way in a "could be anywhere" situation. The fact that it was based in London made the program what it is! Keep the site up!" Hi Jay! As you'll see, many others on this page have expressed similar sentiments. But with Phil Redmond giving so little away at this stage, it's to early to know what his plans are. In the meantime do tell us more about your time on the show! 06/3/02
Kerr Avon asks: "By moving GH to Liverpool are we set for a radically new cast?" It looks that way Kerr. Phil Redmond has said he'd like to retain some of the present actors but he also wants the cast to come from all over Britain. As Adam says below, no-one know who will stay on. Hopefully we'll know more later this year. 06/3/02
Actor Adam Sopp, who plays Darren in Grange Hill, writes: "I agree that its a shame GH is moving. After 25 years of establishing a real life school with such a history, to move to an 'unnamed place' and to aim it toward 8-11 year olds leaving out the nitty gritty story lines is a real shame. It's great that your writing an editorial and that so many people are taking such an interest. I'm not sure as yet how many members of the cast are staying, no one does." 06/3/02
Ant fears for the future of his favourite star: "I think that if they move Grange Hill to Liverpool, it would ruin a great show, and Kacey Barnfield (Maddie) is such a great actress. I think she looks a bit like Karen from Coronation Street, maybe she can play her younger sister if she gets dumped. Please give Kacey a part in a soap, we can't let talent like that go!" Hi Ant. We also hope Kacey will stay, considering how popular she is. If the worst does come to the worst, it would be a shame not to give her a part in a soap - she'd be great in any of them! 06/3/02
Michael M is clearly horrified: "Don't know what's going to happen. How can Liverpool work, upping sticks like this is not real. Why can't they build from basics and bring an old character or 3 back, ie. Mrs McClusky or Mrs Keele? Then consider moving to Liverpool if this fails." Hi Michael - many people share your view that a change of setting for Grange Hill is not credible. Perhaps if the changes were brought in gradually the fans wouldn't be as shocked, but Phil Redmond has chosen not to take this route.
Meanwhile Les B, who's watched Grange Hill since the first episode, is sceptical. "Not sure about GH moving to Liverpool, but I suspect Phil Redmond might have been disappointed with some episodes of recent series. When "Angels" (a sort of 1970s Casualty - Webmaster.) was moved from London to Birmingham, half of the cast was retained (unlikely to happen in GH). There was also a season with storylines in both cities. Ian, together with Ozzie, would be the favourites to be involved in the "disaster" at the end of the current Series." Hi Les. We understand Phil wants to take "some of the cast" with him but none of the actors know at this stage who will make the transition. When Grange Hill moved from White City to Elstree, Series 8 was set in both locations and the old school was burnt down in Series 9. Yet filming has now ceased in Elstree.
Gregory Cooper: "I saw an article on Newsround yesterday (26/02/02), that said filming of Grange Hill will be moving to Liverpool. I hope the BBC has a good reason (though I suspect not). It also said that the show will be set in an unnamed city, but I thought it had been established that it is set in the London borough of Northam? Oh well, that's enough of a rant for now. And your site is looking better than ever. I hope this site, and Grange Hill, continue for many years to come (this is the BBC we're talking about, so cross your fingers.......)." Well Gregory, the BBC says the move to Liverpool is to ensure Grange Hill survives for many years to come. But if the viewer opinion is anything like the comments on this page, the show will have to overcome a hostile reaction to change. Currently Grange Hill is set in the London borough of Northam, and has been since 1985. Expecting viewers to believe different could be a tall order...
Michael Tyk says all might not be lost: "What do you think of the Liverpool move?. I think it is a disaster personally, but everything Phil Redmond has done has turned to gold." True - you can't deny Phil Redmond is a master of good television. It's just the move that's concerning many fans. But we'll have to wait and see how the transition is carried off.
Andrew P. Ralph believes Grange Hill will lose its identity: "I am enjoying the series and was totally shocked about today's news (as most people watching today's episode). Looks like a drastic change for Grange Hill. Not only is it going to be filmed in Liverpool (the could be filmed at the same studios as Brookside and Hollyoaks) but set in another one. I guess that most of the Child actors live either in London or the Home Counties so they would have to travel up to Liverpool, but even if the actors can get there if it's set in another city (possibly far away from London) you don't expect the characters to move to the new school. Unless this city is near where they are now and they all move there which is highly unlikely. And what about the staff, maybe a few will move to the new Grange Hill but you can't expect them ALL to. What Newsround says about "rumours that some huge disaster will happen in the final episode of the current series" does fit in with what John Hudson (Ian Hudson) said in the e-mail he sent to the site telling us to "Watch out for the big end of series cliffhanger".
You make some valid points Andrew. Most Grange Hill actors live in and around London so Mersey TV will have to arrange accommodation for them in Liverpool during filming. Child actors, like other children, still have to receive schooling by law so this could be a sticking point for many. The new setting of the school will not be specified, so it might still be London or anywhere in the country. As you say, there'll probably be a dramatic ending to the present series, but we don't have any details (and we wouldn't publish them if we did!)
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