CBBC graphics spoil Grange Hill 17/11/2005

Malcolm Neale likes our new graphics, but not those of CBBC: "Hi Simon, Just to say I think the new home page is great. It's so much easier to navigate; a big improvement. Regarding the new series; it's early days yet, but I was not too impressed with episode one. In my opinion there was far too much of Togger and Tigger running around acting stupidly and hardly a classroom in sight. Everything seems to move far too quickly. Just as you get interested in a scene the action switches to something else.

"Also, I do wish some of the characters would speak a little slower. I have watched it three times and still can't understand half of what Togger says. I don't have a problem with the Liverpool accent; I always understood every word that Ziggy said in the old days, but I do think MTV should use a voice coach for some of the present cast.

"Friday's episode (11 Nov) reminded me of Arnie, Sam, Anna Wright and animal man from series 17; no doubt the animals have been illegally imported although I'm not sure how you could smuggle a tiger into the country, Also, of course the car race is very reminiscent of Mr Hankin and his car day. The scriptwriters do seem to have a paucity of new ideas these days, Despite this I am enjoying series 29 far more than I thought I would. Also, I agree entirely with what you said on the forum about the 'NEXT' graphic near the end, no doubt it will happen each day. We shall have to record every episode again in January. Cheers." Hi Malcolm - things seem to have settled down a bit now and we're getting on to some more substance. Those banners continue to annoy us - grrr!

Where are the Asian characters? 08/11/2005

Ashie asks: "I am a Muslim and just wanted to ask if Asian people can be in Grange Hill, because there aren't any?" Hi Ashie. There have always been Asian characters in Grange Hill; remember Anika from last year? There may be several Asians in one series but none at all in others (like this series); it varies enormously. Still I'm sure there will be Asians in future series, so keep watching!

Where has Annie gone? 03/11/2005

Keeleigh Harris is disappointed that Annie won't be in the new series: "Hiya, I have been watching Grange Hill for about 3 years. I was wondering is Annie Wainwright in the next series and if she's not why not? Thanks for taking your time to read this."

Hi Keeleigh! According to the storyline, Annie has moved to another school. We can't comment on why Annie was written out, maybe Lauren wanted to move on or was not available for the new series. The good news is Baz will be sticking around; but things won't be the same without Annie!

Who could forget Grange Hill's infamous "riot" in the canteen way back in 1979? Here's one guy who can't - he was in it! "Hi, Just browsing and found your site. I was involved in GH circa 79 / 80. My name is Andrew Bowen and I played Mike, in the S.A.G. Thanks." Hi Andrew and lovely to hear from you! You're the second member of the SAG gang to get in touch; we heard from Sara Sugarman (Jessica) a few years ago. So how does it feel to be associated with one of Grange Hill's most controversial plotlines? What are you up to now? Thanks again for saying hello and our best wishes for the future.

The future of Grange Hill 01/11/2005

Michael asks: "What I was going to say last week was I was hoping, but am not sure, you know what we said about the fire in the new series, I can't recall if Mersey's 3yr contract is up (is it?), but I was hoping, If I'm not wrong, that this may mean a possible return to where Grange Hill belongs in LONDON Anyway, keep up the good work with the site because everybody else out there knows it is the best Grange Hill website on the Net and I am sure 99.0% of the people who go onto your website think the same. I know it's hard, but don't let these people at MTV grind yourselves down and keep up the good work, that you have achieved since 2000."

Hi Michael. The initial three-series deal with Mersey TV ran out in January with the broadcast of Series 28, but since then the BBC has renewed the contract for another two series. This takes Grange Hill up to its 30th series. So for the moment at least, Grange Hill looks set to carry on in its current form. Glad you've enjoyed the site over the last five years!

Robyn nests in Albert Square? 01/11/2005

Malcolm Neale has spotted another Grange Hill pupil in Albert Square: "Hi Simon, I expect you have already seen the post on the forum, but just in case you haven't, Nina Fry (Robyn) was on EastEnders on Monday night. She played the part of Amy, the new barmaid/waitress at Johnny Allen's club. As yet there is no indication as to whether she is going to become a regular, or if it's only a brief appearance, but it would be great if she did join the regular cast, she deserves a big break."

Hi Malcolm - great to hear about Nina's transition to Albert Square. Personally I haven't seen her in it but it's nice to see Nina back on our screens - let's hope we see more of her!

Tours of Grange Hill? 01/11/2005

Jade Pearson asks: "Hi Grange Hill, I love you all and I watch it today when tanya met her mystery boyfriend which was not what she expected anyway I just wanted to know if I could have a tour around Grange Hill? luv your number 1 fan x x x x" Hi Jade - steady on the kisses! It's unlikely Mersey TV offer tours of the Grange Hill set but you can always write and ask them. The address is Grange Hill, Mersey TV, Campus Manor, Childwall Abbey Road, Liverpool L16 0JP. GH Online is NOT the official Grange Hill website, but enjoy the rest of the series!

Tucker's Luck site revamped 01/11/2005

John has news of updates to tuckerluck.com: "Hi Simon, It's been a while since I launched TuckersLuck.com, and I've been hard at work filling it out. I just thought take a breath and give you an update. The episode guide is very nearly complete, the character list is the most-comprehensive guide available (it includes everyone, even bit parts, as long as the role was credited), and there's now a fairly extensive screenshot gallery spanning all three series. I wonder if Tucker will be back on GH again, now that Todd Carty's character in The Bill is soon-to-be-gone? Anyway, all the best!" Hi John and thanks for the update! The site has really developed and it's a must-see for all those TL fans - let us know about future additions!