Latest news with #JustSayNo
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Grange Hill cast now, from tragic death to cancer battle and addiction
Grange Hill ran for three decades and launched the careers of many child actors, while others have struggled to cope with the fame and fortune that came with it Grange Hill, the groundbreaking BBC drama that first aired in 1978, was a school where detention wasn't just a threat and important social issues were brought to light. The show offered a realistic and honest look at the lives of secondary school pupils, tackling everything from racism and bullying to drug addiction and teenage pregnancy. The programme ran for three decades, amassing a vast alumni of child actors, many of whom became household names. However, not all of them stayed in the limelight; some faded from view or faced difficult personal battles. Let's take a look at where some of the most memorable stars are now: Lee MacDonald (Zammo McGuire) Zammo's harrowing heroin addiction storyline in the mid-1980s became one of the most talked-about plots in British television history. Played by Lee MacDonald, Zammo was a bright student whose descent into addiction shocked viewers and sparked a nationwide campaign: the now-iconic Just Say No anti-drugs initiative, supported by Nancy Reagan herself, reports the Daily Record. After leaving Grange Hill, Lee struggled to find acting roles, later admitting that the association with drug addiction – albeit fictional – resulted in prejudice in casting offices. A keen amateur boxer, his sporting ambitions were dashed by a car accident, and he eventually opened a locksmith business in Wallington, Surrey. However, Lee's television career was far from finished. He made appearances in The Bill, Celebrity Scissorhands, and even returned to EastEnders in 2019 as Terry. In 2020, he popped the question to his long-term girlfriend Jess, and they tied the knot in 2022. More recently, in June 2024, Lee shared that he had been diagnosed with a form of skin cancer, but reassured fans that he was receiving treatment after catching it early. Todd Carty (Tucker Jenkins) Tucker Jenkins wasn't just a character – he was a sensation. Portrayed by Todd Carty, Tucker was a rebel with a heart, whose popularity led to the successful spin-off series, Tucker's Luck. Todd's career took off post-Grange Hill, especially when he joined EastEnders as Mark Fowler in 1990. Mark's HIV diagnosis was a groundbreaking storyline for soaps and earned Todd critical praise. He later completely changed gears, playing the sinister PC Gabriel Kent in The Bill, a storyline that delved into dark and disturbing territory. Todd also gained unexpected fame on Dancing on Ice in 2009, when a botched move saw him accidentally skate off the rink mid-routine – a moment that has lived on in viral clips ever since. Now aged 60, Todd resides in Muswell Hill with his long-term partner Dina Clarkin, a writer and producer. They have two sons and run their own production company. Susan Tully (Suzanne Ross) Susan Tully, who initially gained fame as the feisty Suzanne Ross in the early '80s, later became a household name for her role as Michelle Fowler in EastEnders. Her portrayal of a teenage mum impregnated by none other than 'Dirty' Den Watts made her one of the most captivating characters on the soap. However, it's behind the scenes where Susan has truly excelled. She transitioned to directing in the 1990s and has since helmed high-profile shows such as Line of Duty, Tin Star, Silent Witness, and Too Close. Known for her focused, character-driven approach, she is now one of the most esteemed directors in British television. John Alford (Robbie Wright) John Alford, who played Robbie Wright, had a promising career after Grange Hill, finding further success in London's Burning and even launching a short-lived pop career. However, last year he was charged with four counts of sexual activity with a child, as well as two - relating to a second female - of sexual assault and assault by penetration. He is set to face trial in August. Terry Sue-Patt (Benny Green) Terry Sue-Patt portrayed Benny Green, Grange Hill's first black character and a fan favourite. A gifted footballer discovered in a London park, he also starred in the gritty Gary Oldman film The Firm. Regrettably, Terry passed away in 2015 at the age of 50. His body was found in his Walthamstow flat, reportedly having been undiscovered for a month. He struggled with alcoholism in his later years, and several fellow cast members paid tribute to him on social media. Erkan Mustafa (Roland Browning) Roland, or "Roly", was a character that many viewers sympathised with due to his weight-related bullying. The role was played by Erkan Mustafa, who later confessed that acting wasn't his first career choice. After Grange Hill, he continued to act in minor roles and eventually turned his attention to writing. In various interviews, Erkan has expressed his fondness for his time on Grange Hill, appreciating the lifelong friendships it brought him. He also featured in a short film, The All-Nighter, in 2018. Donald Waugh (Hughesy) Donald Waugh portrayed Hughesy in the late '70s before moving on to theatre work and launching a successful career. However, he experienced homelessness and alcohol addiction after leaving acting. He managed to turn his life around and now assists others facing similar challenges, attending fan reunions and openly discussing recovery. James Jebbia (Tommy Watson) An interesting tidbit: James Jebbia, the founder of the streetwear empire Supreme, originally played Tommy Watson in series one. Paul McCarthy took over the role in later series. Upon leaving Grange Hill, James relocated to New York and started working in the fashion industry. By 1994, he had established Supreme, a cult brand now worth over $1 billion. James maintains a notoriously low profile, but Vanity Fair reported in 2017 that Supreme was generating more than $500 million annually. Simone Nylander (Janet St Clair) Janet, Roly's sweet and loyal friend, was portrayed by Simone Nylander from 1982 to 1986. Post-show, she ventured into production work, collaborating with Simon Fuller's 19 Management. In 2020, she launched SN Voices, a voiceover agency championing diverse talent, merging her love for performance and representation in media. Alison Bettles (Fay Lucas) Alison Bettles brought the fan-favourite character Fay Lucas to life and was part of the impactful Just Say No campaign. She continued her acting career into the '90s, featuring in The Bill, No Strings, and an EastEnders wartime special, making her final appearance in 2001. Now a mother of four, Alison works as a beauty therapist and reportedly manages a freight business. Two of her sons have followed her into the acting world, securing roles in Doctor Who and EastEnders. Paula-Ann Bland (Claire Scott) Paula-Ann Bland, who played Claire Scott, made headlines when her diary fantasy about a teacher caused uproar. Off-screen, Paula-Ann released a cover of The Loco-Motion and continued acting - even surprising audiences by posing topless for men's magazine Mayfair - before stepping back from the industry. In the 1990s, she ran boutique shoe shops in London and established a PR firm. Now a mother of two, she has battled breast cancer and serves as an ambassador for The Good Grief Trust.
Daily Record
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Original Grange Hill cast now from devastating death, ditching fame and addiction battle
The original cast of Grange Hill marked the childhoods of many kids around the country. Now, they all lead vastly different lives. It was the school where detention wasn't just a threat, and important social issues were brought to light. Grange Hill, the groundbreaking BBC drama that first aired in 1978, offered a realistic and honest look at the lives of secondary school pupils - tackling everything from racism and bullying, to drug addiction and teenage pregnancy. The show ran for three decades, amassing a vast alumni of child actors, many of whom became household names. But for every one who stayed in the limelight, others faded from view or faced difficult personal battles. Here's a look at where some of the most memorable stars are now. Lee MacDonald (Zammo McGuire) Zammo's harrowing heroin addiction storyline in the mid-1980s became one of the most talked-about plots in British television history. Played by Lee MacDonald, Zammo was a bright student whose descent into addiction shocked viewers and sparked a nationwide campaign: the now-iconic Just Say No anti-drugs initiative, supported by Nancy Reagan herself. After leaving Grange Hill, Lee struggled to find acting roles, later admitting that the association with drug addiction – albeit fictional – resulted in prejudice in casting offices. A keen amateur boxer, his sporting ambitions were dashed by a car accident, and he eventually opened a locksmith business in Wallington, Surrey. But Lee's TV career wasn't entirely over. He popped up in The Bill, Celebrity Scissorhands, and even EastEnders, playing Terry in 2019. In 2020, he proposed to his long-time partner Jess, and the pair married in 2022. More recently, in June 2024, Lee revealed he had been diagnosed with a form of skin cancer, but reassured fans that he was undergoing treatment after spotting it early. Todd Carty (Tucker Jenkins) Tucker Jenkins wasn't just a character – he was a phenomenon. Played by Todd Carty, Tucker was a rebel with a heart, whose popularity led to the successful spin-off Tucker's Luck. Todd's career soared post-Grange Hill, particularly when he joined EastEnders as Mark Fowler in 1990. Mark's HIV diagnosis broke new ground for soap storylines and earned Todd critical acclaim. He later flipped the script entirely, playing sinister PC Gabriel Kent in The Bill, a storyline that veered into dark and disturbing territory. Todd also found unexpected fame on Dancing on Ice in 2009, when a botched move saw him accidentally skate off the rink mid-routine – a moment that's lived on in viral clips ever since. Now 60, Todd lives in Muswell Hill with his long-term partner Dina Clarkin, a writer and producer. They have two sons and run their own production company. Susan Tully (Suzanne Ross) Susan Tully starred as headstrong Suzanne Ross in the early '80s before becoming a TV legend as Michelle Fowler in EastEnders. Her portrayal of a teenage mum, pregnant by none other than 'Dirty' Den Watts, made her one of the soap's most compelling characters. But it's behind the camera where Susan has truly flourished. She turned to directing in the 1990s, later leading high-profile shows like Line of Duty, Tin Star, Silent Witness, and Too Close. Known for her tight, character-driven style, she's now one of the most respected directors working in British TV. John Alford (Robbie Wright) John Alford had a promising career post-Grange Hill, finding further success in London's Burning and launching a brief pop career. But last year he was charged with four counts of sexual activity with a child, as well as two - relating to a second female - of sexual assault and assault by penetration. He is due to face trial in August. Terry Sue-Patt (Benny Green) Terry Sue-Patt played Benny Green, Grange Hill's first black character and a fan favourite. A talented footballer discovered in a London park, he also starred in the gritty Gary Oldman film The Firm. Sadly, Terry died in 2015, aged 50. His body was found in his Walthamstow flat, having reportedly been undiscovered for a month. He had battled alcoholism in his later years, and a number of fellow cast members paid tribute to him on social media. Erkan Mustafa (Roland Browning) Bullied for his weight, Roland – or 'Roly' – became a sympathetic figure for many viewers. Erkan Mustafa played the role with heart, though he later admitted acting wasn't something he initially pursued. He continued acting in low-key roles and later focused on writing. In interviews, Erkan has spoken fondly about his time on Grange Hill, saying he's grateful for the lifelong friendships it gave him. He also starred in The All-Nighter, a short film, in 2018. Donald Waugh (Joseph 'Hughesy' Hughes) Donald Waugh played Hughesy in the late '70s and then went on to work with theatre and launched a successful career - but endured a period of homelessness and alcohol addiction after leaving acting. He later turned his life around and now helps others struggling with similar issues, attending fan reunions and speaking openly about recovery. James Jebbia (Tommy Watson, series one) A little-known fact: the original Tommy Watson from series one was played by James Jebbia – who went on to found streetwear empire Supreme. The role in later series was taken over by Paul McCarthy. After leaving Grange Hill, James moved to New York and began working in fashion. By 1994, he'd launched Supreme, a cult brand now valued at over $1 billion. James keeps a famously low profile, but Vanity Fair reported that as of 2017, Supreme was generating more than $500 million annually. Simone Nylander (Janet St Clair) Janet was the sweet and loyal friend of Roly, and was played by Simone Nylander from 1982 to 1986. After the show, she dipped into production work and worked with Simon Fuller's 19 Management. In 2020, she launched SN Voices, a voiceover agency for diverse talent, combining her passion for performance and representation in media. Alison Bettles (Fay Lucas) Fay Lucas was a fan favourite, and Alison Bettles was part of the influential Just Say No campaign. She continued acting into the '90s, with appearances in The Bill, No Strings, and an EastEnders wartime special, making her last appearance in 2001. Now a mother of four, Alison works as a beauty therapist and reportedly runs a freight business. Two of her sons have followed in her footsteps, landing roles in Doctor Who and EastEnders. Paula-Ann Bland (Claire Scott) Claire Scott made headlines when her diary fantasy about a teacher prompted chaos. Off-screen, Paula-Ann Bland released a cover of The Loco-Motion and continued acting - and even shook audiences by posing topless for men's magazine Mayfair - before taking a step back from the industry. In the 1990s, she ran boutique shoe shops in London and launched a PR firm. Now a mum of two, she has survived breast cancer and is also an ambassador for The Good Grief Trust.
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'I was Grange Hill legend Zammo now I'm a locksmith after horror crash ended my dream'
Zammo McGuire had one of the most infamous story lines on Grange Hill after becoming a heroin addicts, but life for the actor after leaving the show took a different turn For a generation of viewers, he was the fresh-faced trouble-prone kid of Grange Hill, but since he graduated, Lee Macdonald's life trajectory took a turn after a nasty accident changed his dream. Ingrained into the memory of a generation who grew up in the 1980s, Lee Macdonald - who played Zammo Mcguire - made his way into houses across the country, and even into the White House as he and some of the cast were invited to Washington DC after Nancy Reagan watched the show. Zammo was the classic 'cheeky chap' youngster with bags of charm but who was easily swayed down the wrong path, but this time it wasn't getting in trouble for getting into a playground scrap. The show known for introducing some of the biggest issues of the time to a young audience had storylines centred around racism, teenage pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, and in this case drug addiction. Zammo's story arc in particular struck with families becoming one of the most popular and controversial stories of the show as he was lured down the path of heroin addiction, leading to the infamous scene of him nearly overdosing when he was found slumped in a toilet. The character became the face of the "Just Say No" anti-drug campaign that swept across the world in the 80s, with the Grange Hill cast even having a top five UK chart hit with their anti-drugs charity track, Just Say No. But after his five-year spell on the show would come to an end in 1987, his time in front of the camera would take a hiatus. Partly something he claims was done due to the damage of the association with drugs, reports Sky. But speaking about his time on the show to The Guardian, he had overwhelmingly positive things to say: "I was doing something I really enjoyed, getting paid for it and I was getting loads of girlfriends. My schoolwork never suffered; I was never bullied at school. It was the best thing I ever did, and if I could do it all again I would.' Instead, he looked to turn his hobby of boxing into a career, however tragedy would strike just years later. When he was 21, Macdonald was left with severe head injuries after being involved in a nasty car crash that rendered his boxing career over before it had even started. But since then he found things outside acting, buying up a locksmith in Surrey in 2000, with his old Grange Hill days coming in useful for mustering up business. He added: 'I went round local estate agents, and they would go: 'Zammo!' A lot of the work now I've got is from it.' His website for the business even has the moniker: 'Just say no to the rest!' But despite the locksmith business paying most of the bills, in more recent years, he's still been popping up on our television screens - most notably with small roles on EastEnders, The Bill and Neighbours. In June last year, the actor also shared his health battle with the world, revealing that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer after spotting an "unusual spot on my face". Posting to social media he added: "As we get older please keep an eye on anything unusual and hopefully get it looked at early!!! Booked in to get it sorted over the next couple of days."
The Guardian
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
TV tonight: Gangs of London returns – and it is even gorier and grittier
9pm, Sky Atlantic The goriest gang drama in recent times – starring Joe Cole, Michelle Fairley and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù (above) – returns for a third series, as blood-soaked as ever. London's criminal underworld is still at war for control (shocker!) and the chaos is turned up when clubbers who have sniffed things they shouldn't get one hell of a Just Say No lesson. With accusations of a spiked shipment, trouble erupts as alliances and enemies are made. Hollie Richardson 9pm, BBC Two It was Saint Patrick's Day on Monday, but who was the man we raise a Guinness to? Actor Ciarán Hinds narrates this documentary in which various experts tell the story of one of the best known Christian figures in the world (along with some dramatisations). It starts in Roman Britain 1,500 years ago … HR 9pm, ITV1 In the concluding third part of this eye-opening documentary series, the women have banded together to find a solicitor to fight their corner. Sharing stories provides some comfort and helps identify the spycops' tactics, but will there be any justice for a crime that, in the view of many, amounted to 'rape by the state'? Ellen E Jones 9pm, BBC Three Stacey Dooley spends time on Manchester shop floors with staff dealing with the growing number of thieves, and the verbal abuse and violence that brings. Dooley herself got a thrill out of shoplifting as a teenager, putting her in good stead to speak frankly with the offenders she meets. HR 9pm, U&Drama This revival of the beloved crime drama takes itself rather too seriously to locate the charm of the original. Jim is confident he is closing in on his chief suspect after new facts emerge about Cate's behaviour, but Chloe may be about to provide information that sheds worrying new light on Blakely's allegations against our hero. Phil Harrison 10pm, Sky Max Chris O'Dowd's sprawling, sci-fi-flavoured series continues, moving unpredictably between small-town dramedy, Hollywood parody and X-Files homage. Séamus (Paddy Considine) is the talk of Drumbán after his alien confession, while Wendy (Christina Hendricks) breaks some very weird news to the star of her TV show. Hannah J Davies The Old Man & the Gun, 7.15pm, Film4 An actor at the end of a storied career plays a criminal eking out the last few days of his. In David Lowery's 'mostly true' US crime drama set in 1981, Robert Redford oozes charm as gentleman bank robber Forrest Tucker. He and his two ageing colleagues steal their way across the US south in a warm-hearted, elegiac story of a man who is a thief by vocation. There are sly nods to the western world of the Sundance Kid, while Sissy Spacek is the woman who may – or may not – finally change his mind. Simon Wardell
