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2002
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AFTER THE FIRE...WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? UPDATED 08/4/02
Maddie...an
unlikely heroine?We're asking for your thoughts on what happened next following the catastrophic explosion at the end of the series. Lawrence Simpson thinks an unlikely hero came to the rescue: "Maybe after her rebirth as a good girl, Maddie could have warned the people in the gym celebrating Robson and Carver's wedding and went to tackle the blaze herself once the first explosion had occured. All the people in the gym would have escaped and the school, unfortunately would burn down in a big fire." Hi Lawrence. Well it's true Maddie was turning over a new leaf but any heroics would probably be a long way off yet. Still, a nice idea!
Leigh Moss isn't optimistic about her favourite characters: "I think that Ozzie and Vikki are both going to die but I hope thay don't because I really like them. I can't wait for a new show!"
SIMON'S VIEW 07/4/02
Yes, we know this is supposed to be your page, but as GH Online's webmaster I just had to share my ideas about what happens. I think that - Ozzie, Lisa, Tom and Vikki are killed as they didn't flee the building in time. Matt and Briony also die after being trapped in the common room. The explosion is heard in the hall - a hysterical stampede occurs as pupils try smashing their way out through the windows. The fire reaches the hall - some escape, some are badly injured and others are crushed. Miss Carver (shouldn't that be Mrs Robson?!) gets out OK but can't find Peter. Carl and Claire help the younger pupils to safety - Martin's logical thinking assists the evacuation. As emergency crews reach the school, Deverill watches from nearby bushes. Revenge is sweet, he thinks. Before long, hysterical parents gather at the school.
Other fatalities - Calvin (severe asthma attack); Spencer, Miss Fraser, Dai Hard, Josh, Ray, Mr Robson.
Others escape/are rescued; some with cuts and bruises but others not so lucky; Shannon has crush injuries including broken arm/legs, Ian collapses with smoke inhalation; Amy is KO'd by falling masonry but later comes round. Anika - herself with bad cuts after smashing in a window - is distressed for her pal. Darren suffers major burns and spends days fighting for his life. Leah is knocked for six by Tom's death - she realises how silly her feud with Shannon is and spends weeks at the hospital helping Shannon through her treatment. Months later, it emerges that Grange Hill is to be rebuilt on a new site but many staff and pupils feel too traumatised to return. Hence - LIVERPOOL.
Tracy's character exhausted says agent 19/4/02
More from Kerr now, including news of Sally Morton: "Last week I rang Sally Morton's agent and I got a lot of info on what she is up to. As well as studying at college Sally has made a couple of appearances in ITV soap Night and Day!!! On her PREMATURE departure from g/h it seems the writers had run out of ideas for Tracy, mind you I am glad she never stayed because of that fire in the season finale. Her agent is planning to send Sally my regards. Maybe they could bring Sally back for a one off next year because as it stands just now Tracy is the only surviving member of the Double Dare Gang! Isn't Deverill EVIL incarnate ??!! He could even be the devil himself - just look at his initials!!"
"One of my other fave series is Sky One's superb ALIAS about a female double agent. The GORGEOUS actress who plays her, Jennifer Garner, looks the spit of Jessica Staveley-Taylor who played LUSH Leah maybe they could sign Jess up to play a young version of the title character or her younger sister!! honest, the resmblance between the two is uncanny!!!" If you say so Kerr, it's not a show I've seen! Still thanks for the info on Sally - maybe she'll reappear in Night And Day. Have to agree with you abotu Mr Deverill - his name sounds like "devil" - don't you think?
GH blast plot in bad taste? 19/4/02
Kerr Avon raises a good point: "Was the destruction of the school maybe a bit too far in light of the events of Sept 11? Or was it just Grange Hill's take on it? What do you think?" Hi Kerr. I take your point - some people may have thought blowing up Grange Hill was in bad taste after the New York attacks, but filming of Series 25 ended last August, ie. before the attacks took place. Grange Hill would never "glamourise" such a tragedy, neither would any other TV show.
Mr Bronson makes C4 Top Ten 19/4/02
Adrian Sherring "Just to let you know Mr Bronson is featured in the top ten baddies/villains on Saturday night Channel 4, and also Michael should be interviewed as well as Jonathan Lambeth (Danny Kendall)." Thanks Adrian - you can see Mr Bronson compete with other Mr Nasties in C4's "Top Ten", this Saturday at 10.20pm.
The many talents of Mr Hankin 19/4/02
The Lilac Pilgrim asks: "I have just been on your site and I'm enjoying it so far, but I was surprised to see that you have no Lee Cornes info! I found loads on his nephew's pages on the TVtome site and on the Red Dwarf interview page. Nonetheless, I still know not who exactly he is. I'd be very grateful if you could tell me about him, including contacts! I think I'm obsessed with Lee Cornes! Oooh help! Please tell me I'm not the only one!!!!!!!! Ah, who cares?! I wanna tell the world!! I LOVE LEE CORNES!!!!!!" Well Pilgrim, where do we begin? Lee is a very talented guy with many more strings than acting to his bow. He's also a stand-up comic and writer (he penned episodes of ITV's Mr Bean cartoon) and - wait for it - he's also a qualified science teacher. So he's the perfect man to play Mr Hankin.
Lee's other TV credits include Dr Who, Blackadder, Bottom, Rab C Nesbitt and Colin's Sandwich. You might also have seen him in commercials for Amerada Hess gas. Write to him c/o Grange Hill (address is on IN THE KNOW index) or via his agents: L'Epine Smith & Carney Associates, Suite 61-63, Kent House, 87 Regent Street, London W1B 4EH. Good luck!
GH art teacher in pop video 19/4/02
Blur fan Jon Sheeran spotted a teacher moonlighting: "Could you possibly help me with a bet I've got going with a mate? You see, I don't know if you remember but there was a Grange Hill teacher who played Blur's mum in the video for There's No Other Way, (the one where there all sat round a big table eating dinner) anyway, he says its Mrs. McClusky and I say its the art teacher, can't remember her name, quite sexy though, but, could you help clear this up as there's 20 quid riding on it." Hi Jon. Not being a Blue fan I can't give you a straight answer, but the art teacher is likely to have been Miss Booth, aka Karen Ford. Karen appeared in Grange Hill between 1985-1991. But without seeing the video I can't be sure - can anyone help Jon?
Class of '98 moves on 19/4/02
Hello again to Sean Seymour: "Is it just me or has anyone else noticed it the actors from series 21 of Grange Hill seem to be in demand? I have noticed Sian Welsh (Laurie): in the film "Goodnight Charlie Bright", Jade Williams (Zoe) in Bad Girls, and the actress who played Zoe's friend Sian in "The Secret". Also could you tell me which of Arnie's pals started in year 7 and finished 6th form?" Hi Sean. Jade Williams has been getting around, and we saw her great performance in "Bad Girls" the other week. She first appeared in the show two years ago. The actress who played Sian was Tilly Gerrard, best known as Emily in "The Wild House" and who also played a runaway in Holby City. Nice to her Sian Welsh was in a film, we'll have to look out for it! Colin, Dill and Arnie made it from Year 7 to the sixth form, though Dill left early in Series 23.
You Boy! Get my magazine now! 14/4/02
Adrian Sherring, of the Michael Sheard Appreciation Society, has asked us to remind your the latest edition of "You Boy!" is now available. For your copy please send an SAE to Adrian at 35 Colville Road, Edmonton, London N9 7QN.
And speaking of Mr Bronson... 14/4/02
Here's Sean again, recalling his encounter with Mr Bronson: "I was once at a local Aberdeen Star Trek convention and guess who I met? None other than Michael Sheard (Mr. Bronson). I bought his Biography and got it signed. I asked him about Grange Hill and if he was still in it when it moved to Elstree and he confirmed that he did and that Grange Hill was the first Programme to use the BBC Elstree Building I also Realised after Reading his Biography titled "Yes Mr. Bronson !" that he appeared in Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Dirty Dozen, Dr.Who and of course Grange Hill. He was really friendly and explained even though he loved Grange Hill he wouldn't do it again as it took 7/8 years out his life!" Hello again Sean - reading through the latest edition of Michael's fanzine "You Boy!" (see above for details of how to get yours), it seems he is a nice bloke. We'd love to meet him! Michael actually started in Grange Hill when the show moved to Elstree, and while it's a shame we won't see Bronson in t he series again we might see Michael in panto this year. More details nearer the time!
Grange Hill got it wrong about Jews 14/4/02
Sean Seymour believes GH has blundered: "This series established that Josh was a Jewish boy, however followers of Judaism are not allowed to go to non-Jewish Ceremonies. Robson and Carver's wedding was far from Jewish yet Josh was shown with Maddie at the Wedding Ceremony and was seen clapping and celebrating a non-Jewish Ceremony! so I think that was truly a cock-up!" Hi Sean - good point. However Josh wasn't at the wedding itself, just the party. So has he done anything wrong? We're not sure.
* Are you Jewish? If so we'd love you to set the record straight - would Josh go to a wedding party? Get in touch at the usual address.
Natalie Tapper - next big chart topper? 14/4/02
Andrew Startup spotted a familiar face: "I thought I had better let you know that also starring in Godspell with Clare Buckfield is Natalie Tapper, who played Jodie Abadeyo from 1993-1996. She has had quite a busy career since leaving Grange Hill including that of a recording artiste Info on tour dates, and cast details can be found on the Godspell website at http://www.godspell.co.uk/ Venues where the show is to be put on are. "
The Ian and Adam wars 11/4/02
Portia asks: "Hi, I have not seen the Ian/Adam series, would someone please tell me what happend as I would be really interested in finding out. Ian can't have been that bad, Could he?" Don't you believe it Portia! Adam and Ian both came to Grange Hill as new Year 7s in Series 21 (1998). Ian was a bit of a troublemarker, Adam was a loner hiding a terrible secret. Ian spotted Adam's weaknesses and tormented him, calling him "Wolf Boy" (Adam befriended a stray dog on Caveman Day). Eventually Ian turned the class against Adam.
The situation escalated when Ian overheard Miss Carver discussing Adam's secret - when he was young, Adam witnessed the murder of his mum by his dad. Thanks to Ian the news spread round the class. Eventually Ian pushed Adam too far when he tried to suffocate the school gerbil - Adam floored his enemy and set the creature free. In Year 9, Adam's father was released from jail desperate to be reconciled with his son. Adam was having none of it; eventually Mr Robson persuaded them to meet. Ian spotted Adam's edginess and started goading him again - they fought in class and Adam was blamed for Franco breaking his leg. Katy conspired to force them together on her "Walkabout" weekend - and the two sorted out their differences. In real life John Hudson and Sam Bardens are good mates - Sam has now moved to America and John visited him!
Grimbo's life after Grange Hill 09/4/02
Jamie Golding played Grimbo, one of the Cigarette Gang between 1992 and 1993. But what's he been doing since? Who better to tell us than Jamie himself: "My friend Lisa Butterworth told me about your site. It's very well presented and appears to be very comprehensive. Just to give you a little update, Lisa contacted you when I was in The Beautiful Game. Since then, I have been in stratford-upon-Avon with the Royal Shakespeare Company performing the roles of youth/tweedledum in Alice in Wonderland. I'm now back in London and will be working in the West End again very soon... Keep up the great work.
"I'm afraid I have no contact with Chris (McGown - who played Frank); I haven't heard his name mentioned and I haven't seen his name on any cast lists or reviews. The only person I am in contact with that you may be interested in is Peter Leeper (Mr Parrott). After he left GH Peter rejoined the Chelmsford cast of Les Miserables for a celebration concert. Now, Peter is an IT manager and has been for quite a few years... though he still says he's "resting". As for my character in GH, being a fan of Les Miserables, I tend to base most characters I play around a character in Les Mis called Gavroche. He was young but tough, had no fear, was cheeky and could fend for himself. Having had the pleasure of playing Gavroche myself when I was about 9 at the Palace Theatre in London and also having played Dodger in Oliver, I think Grimbo came out of a both of those characters put together. Those 2 characters plus Grimbo have stayed with me and even now help me with my acting. I was in the 99-00 cast of Starlight Express, 1st understudy to the lead role Rusty and playing Flat Top. Flat Top was cheeky, cocky, had a sense of humour and very rebellious, so out of the 3 characters, Dodger, Gavroche and Grimbo, I came up with Flat Top. Then of course I went on to play Daniel Gillan in The Beautiful Game which opened at the Cambridge in September 2000 and closed on September 1st 2001. Daniel was a mixture of Gavroche, Dodger, Grimbo and Flat Top. He was a loveable rogue.
"I have been very lucky with the roles I have played as they have all been similar. Each character I play seems to have a quality that I can use within my next show and it helps a lot that I always seem to get cast as the cheeky, trouble maker type... I'm not sure whether this may be due to type casting. At the moment, I am enjoying theatre work and have no plans to return to TV. After GH, I appeared in "Ghostbusters of East Finchley" playing the part of Alfie. That was episode 5 and was aired on December 14th 1995 and was directed by Jim Gillespie. Other than that I have remained in and around what is known as "theatre land". If you have any further questions, be sure to email me and I will do my best to reply to you ASAP!" Hi Jamie! Nice to hear you've achieved so much after Grange Hill. We're surprised that Peter Leeper (Mr Parrott) is no longer acting though. Still, best of luck for the future. There's more from Jamie in our Liverpool letters special, Your Shout!.
Eric the extra says hello! 09/4/02
The 1998 series of Grange Hill was a memorable one, here's someone who was in it: "Just browsing through the net on Grange Hill stuff and I came across your site - very impressive! I was in Grange Hill from 1997-98 as an extra and I have a few photos from Grange Hill end of series parties and behind the scenes etc. There's a photo of me in my Grange Hill uniform at www.eric-johnson.co.uk (click on the 'more about me' section). So basically, if there's anything you want to know what unofficial about it (including who snogged who behind the scenes!), then let me know!" Hi Eric! Thanks for your positive comments and your own site is great. Yes we'd love some goss please!
Top of the Grange Hill Pops! 09/4/02
Robert Hosie's ears have pricked up: "I wonder if anyone noticed the coincidence in the last episode before Grange Hill moved to Elstree in 1984 and the last at Elstree 18 years later? Both episodes played 'True' by Spandau Ballet." Hi Robert - you're absolutely right, "True" was played in the final episode of the 1984 series. We can't say whether this was deliberate or coincidence, but someone at GH is obviously a Spandau fan!
Robson and Carver? No way! 07/4/02
Darrell Whitehead is bemused by the recent wedding: "I agree that Deverill was a brilliant character. In my last e-mail I forgot to mention the absurdity of the Robson/Carver marriage. They're well matched, but it was another example of lack of depth. Ever since they'd been in it, there had never been any chemistry between them. Again this romance seemed to develop from nothing in just a couple of episodes. Perhaps, they are constrained (and partially excused) by the fact of only about 12-16 episodes a series." Hi Darrell. I must confess I thought that too Peter and Jayne had been working together since 1995 and not a hint of romance! And she's quite a bit younger than he is. Still, they're married now and I think they're a great couple!
You've left out Maddie's mum! 07/4/02
Joanne spotted an omission: "Hi. Came across your site today while looking for the answer to a crossword. Clicked on your Roll Call but can't find a character called Suzie Gilkes. Can you help?" Hi Joanne - how careless of us. We agree Suzie's name ought to be on the Roll Call - so now it is!
Grange Hill before Elstree 07/4/02
Hello now to Chris Doe: "Hi. Where was Grange Hill set before Elstree and what do you think happened in the fire?" Hi Chris - the Webmaster's ideas for "What Happened Next" are above. Prior to 1985, Grange Hill was filmed at several different schools including Kingsbury High, London, and a school in Hammersmith. Despite the outdoor moves all studio scenes were filmed at BBC White City. And now of course, Grange Hill is moving to non-BBC studios!
What now for GH Online? 07/4/02
Tails Simpson wanders what'll happen to Grange Hill: "I am so sad to hear about what happeend to Grange Hill. I live in Australia and have not seen the new series yet. Please tell me what happened. Some questions I would like to ask ; 1) Will Grange Hill continue? 2.Will you leave open the website 3. Where can I buy the new epsodes??" Fear not Tali - GH Online isn't shutting down so it's business as usual. Grange Hill itself WILL continue, but it will be filmed in Liverpool with substantial cast changes. Check out our Close Up Special for more details. Unfortunately Series 25 isn't on video but maybe someone will copy the shows for you. If you can help Tali, get in touch!
Were UB40 in Grange Hill? 02/4/02
Joris van Drunen Littel has e-mailed from The Netherlands: "Hello there and Happy Easter. I am currently busy on a full UB40 Discography and would like to know if its true that the band appeared on Grange Hill in one of the shows during the early 80s. If so, could you maybe give a year, season and episode number for me to list in the Discography?" Hi Joris. In 1985 some of the gang went to a UB40 concert - unfortunately the band did not appear although we saw the characters waiting in the theatre. The pupils almost didn't see UB40 either, as Mr McCartney forgot the tickets!
Hear Grange Hill on your mobile! 02/4/02
Sean Seymour has sent details of a Grange Hill ringtone: "Please put this on your site:-
Grange Hill By - Tempo 180
KeyPress
48, 0, 4, 0, (5)#, 68, 19*, 0**, (1), 28, (5)9**#, 68, 49, 0, (2)#, 38, 49, 0, 4, 0, (5)#, 68, 19*, 09**, (2)9**#, (3), 48, 0, 4, 0, (5)#, 68, 19*, 0**, (1), 28, (5)9**#, 68, 49, 0, (2)#, 38, 49, 0, 4, 0, (5)#, 68, 19*, 09**( ) = hold key until a dot appears in the note. This is the original GH theme, "Chicken Man", and the ringtone is compatible with all phones/networks." Hi Sean! Sounds great - a refreshing change from "riinng riinng"! Come on everyone, punch in the code now!
A Star File on Fiona please! 02/4/02
Bryn asks: "Any plans for a starfile of Fiona Lee Fraser (Laura Reagan)? Great site by the way, always loved GH." Sorry Bryn - we'd love to help but we don't have much info on Fiona I'm afraid. Up until a few years ago she was still acting but has since disappeared from Spotlight listings. Anyone seen Fiona lately?
Francesca stands up in London 01/4/02
"I'm a regular site visitor and thought you might like to put this on the News page , I realise this is short notice all the same Fran is gonna be doing Stand up on Mon 1 April At the Etcetera Theatre 265 Camden High St London NW1. Telephone (020) 7482 4857 for more information." Thanks for that - and if you're in London do go along and support Fran!
A great end to Series 25 01/4/02
Hello again to Greg Cooper: "That really was an explosive final episode. The wedding reception went off with a bang, and now the future of the entire school, and the staff, will be left up in the air for the next 10 months or so... OK, bad jokes aside - that episode was great. I'm really glad Mr. Wilcox got his comeuppance (is his first name really Stephen, or is that just another lie?), although I was quite astounded that no-one thought to confiscate his set of keys when they locked him in the PRF. The wedding reception was nicely done, and Mr. Robson's face as the guests revealed themselves was priceless! :-) I'm really glad that both Mr. and Mrs. Robson decided to stay on at Grange Hill for another year, although Phil Redmond might have other ideas (as might the actors...) Tom was as thick as two short planks and twice as stupid about Lisa's feelings for him, but he's a guy, so that's only to be expected. After all, we only see what's right in front of someone else's face, not our own, right? And Cracker made the sensible choice to return to school, when it's rebuilt..and did Matt and Briony get back together? I couldn't make that one out. Finally, I find myself thinking that Vikki and Kieran make a surprisingly cute couple.
"I recently bought a copy of the Grange Hill season 1 tape, and I must say things have certainly changed at the school since 1978! I wonder if the next season will be like a return to earlier times? We'll just have to wait and see, I guess. Just please, I pray no-one died in the explosion (with the possible exception of Mr. Wilcox:-) And it's really not fair closing on a cliffhanger like that when the next season is not until 2003. I only hope that it is aired sooner (wishful thinking, but still...) If anyone out there is looking for GH episodes of 1978 or 1998 onwards, my offer to help them out with copies still stands - contact me at GSWCooper@aol.com"
Hi Greg. Yes is certainly was an amazing finale - let's hope the body count is low! Mr Deverill managed to escape via the office window; Leah and Mrs Holmes weren't at the party so they could be safe too. On the other hand Matt and Briony were in the sixth form common room and might have been fire victims (please no!); although most people were in the hall so escape would be easy. Wilcox's real name IS Stephen - it said so on the credit card Ben found. Grange Hill wouldn't be the same without Mr Robson, please keep him on! Thanks for your kind offer of GH video copies - if anyone would like copies contact Greg at
Les delivers his verdict 01/4/02
Les B ponders the outcome of the fire: "Well the series is over and I doubt whether we will ever know what happened to the people in attendance, at the wedding? I very much suspect that Mr Deverill will return (with a new name?) in Liverpool. Must admit I have grown to like Ozzie and he seems to be getting a name as a police informer. I also think the character of Kathy has grown in stature. Other Trivia: Jade Williams appears as a new inmate in "Bad Girls" this Thursday. She has been in before, but I must have missed the relative episode(s). Liked the character Anna Wright. Jenny Long was a good actress. Matthew Pearson's mother, Julia Goodman, appeared in the ITV afternoon soap "Gems" at the same time, as the wife of one of the partners. Think Mrs Holmes' son, Michael, bears a slight resemblance (older version) of either Matt or Jacko (Jamie Lehane). Not sure which?"
Hi Les. Mr Deverill (erm, Wilcox, sorry) managed to flee the school before the fire so he's certainly available for another series. He's such a great baddie we'd love him to return - with Mr Robson possibly dead and Mrs Holmes unaware of his dark side, he could con us all over again! I think you're right about Michael and Jacko looking alike - why didn't we notice it before?
Caretakers, expulsions and deaths 01/4/02
Vic Grimes has a few questions: "I think the best series have to be 1983 the major storyline of Gripper and racism. 1986 when they had Zammo and drugs, Faye in a teacher pupil affair and Miss Partridge found to be an unmarried mother. Second half of 1998 series with Sean Pearce. Plus 2001 series which is one of the best in the new generation. My questions are:
"How many caretakers has Grange Hill had and who were they?" There have been five caretakers - Mr Garfield (1978-1980), Mr Thomson (1981-82), Mr Griffiths (1986-92), Dave Greenman (1993-95), and Russell Joseph (1996-present, though he hasn't been seen since 1998). Graham Ashley, who played Mr Garfield, died before Series 3 was broadcast.
"Did any of Gripper's henchmen ever get mentioned, the ones in episode 12 & 14 (not including George Smith and Denny Rees, they are already known)?" We don't think Gripper had any other henchmen besides Denny and Georgie. In his first series Gripper worked alone.
"How many pupils have been expelled and who were they?" Well let's see: Jessica Samuels (1979), Madelin Tanner (1980), Booga Benson (1981); Gripper Stebson (1983); Imelda Davis (1987); Frank Buttrey and Grimbo Pike (1993); Sean Pearce and Alec Jones (1998); Ozzie Osbourne (2001).
"I know its morbid, but how many deaths in Grange Hill have they been? (Characters not actors.)" Quite a few actually! Antoni Karamonopolis (1980 - fell from multi storey car park); Jeremy Irvine (1984 - drowned in school pool); Mr Humphries (1986 - RTA); Danny Kendall (1989 - brain illness); Liam Brady (1992 - RTA); Judi Jeffreys (1999 - fall from window). And who knows how many perished in Thursday's fire? Not too many we hope...
Suggestions for Star Files 01/4/02
Paul has e-mailed from North Wales: "I am a big Grange Hill fan and have watched it for many years now. I found your website earlier and really liked it. I have some requests for the Star File section. Firstly I really love Miss Carver, Sally Geoghegan, she is so gorgeous, so any chance of adding her please? Also I would like to see Tracey, Sally Morton, and going back a few years, the sexy Paula Ann Bland. I would also love to see Leah, Jessica Staveley-Taylor, she is very hot, and Shannon, Amanda Fahy, too, plus Anika, Jalpa Patel, and Vicki, Emma Willis. I appreciate of course that each one of these will involve a lot of work in the website, but I do look forward to seeing some of these actresses featured in due course and maybe all of them eventually. Whatever you can manage will be gratefully received. Thanks for a great website." Hi Paul. We've already got a Star File on Paula Ann Bland - click on Star File to have a look. sadly we don't have enough info on the others you mention apart from Sally, so look out for her profile soon!
For details of how to contact Can You Help, see the CYH main page.
