CAST MEMBERS' SPECIAL UPDATED 15/06/2006

Helena Meagher was one of the new Year 7s introduced in 1992: "I was recommended to contact you – via friends! I am an old cast member from series 15, if my memory serves me right that would have been 1992, or there about. My character name was Diane Richmond, actor name Helena Meagher.

"I used to be in contact with Katerina Hadjimatheou and Alice Dawnay, however, over the years this is no longer the case, which is a real shame. Would love to meet up once again, heyho!" Hi Helena! Indeed series 15 was from 1992. Sorry Diane didn't make it to the sixth form - we're quite surprised you had a six-year contract, we thought these were renewed annually! Nice to hear you've continued to act and best of luck with the teaching.

You probably know that Alice Dawnay (Alice Rowe) is now a nurse and a prolific activist for trade union Unison in London. We've found some contact details which we'll pass on. Sorry you lost contact with Katerina (who played Fiona Ridge); but as you've probably guessed you never know who reads this site, so she could be reading! In the meantime we'll organise some DVDs for you; thanks for your time and keep checking back!

* CALLING KATERINA HADJIMATHEOU! Your Grange Hill classmate Helena would like to get back in contact. If you are reading this could you please e-mail us at info@grangehill.net. Many thanks!

Surprised people remember us! 01/06/2006

Rachel Roberts writes: "I am an ex-cast member, and I wondered if you could give me some info as to how i can contact other ex-cast members through your site? Thanks so much for your information re the site. I never knew there was so much interest in us!! So funny!!! I will happily do what I can to complete a "Starfile", and also, any interviews or stuff you want. Find it so amusing that after all these years people still want to know! Let me know what I can do to help. But noticed you have lot of contributions from George (Christopher). Is he a member? He looked after me when I started on GH, and would love to speak to him!!"

Lindsey seeks former castmates 01/06/2006

Hi Lindsey! GH Online is an unofficial site so we have no information on reunions; in our limited experience, actors tend to maintain contact among themselves. We are in touch with one of your screen "classmates" and will happily pass on your details. I wish I could be of more help - but hope this is a start and good luck.

Baz hits the big screen 01/06/2006

Now let's welcome back Tom Hudson, with news of his latest role: "Hey Simon, Hope you get chance to see my new film Love + Hate which went on general release around the UK on Friday 5th May. Let me know what you think. Kindest Regards." Hi Tom and good to hear from you again! Thanks for telling us about Love & Hate and we look forward to seeing it. And if you're at a loose end, why not pop along to the flicks and see it for yourself?

John Ratcliff starred in Grange Hill's famous Wales outdoor pursuits adventure back in the 1983. Since then, he's found fame not as an actor, but the driving force behind an 80s pop sensation: "Hi. I appeared in two episodes as Doug, a PE instructor at the Aberdovey Outward Bound centre in Wales in 1982. At the time I was making records with EMI but in 1983 I discovered the pop group A-Ha and became their manager and producer. 23 years later the band have sold over 50 million records and are still performing.

Mrs McClusky does DH Lawrence 15/06/2006

Chris Bradley renews his appeal for a copy of Grange Hill's second pop video, "Smash Head": "Hi, The video for Smash Head was filmed in my old school (Holt/Childwall Comp), and I have been trying to get a copy of it for a while now. Can you help? Thanks." Hi Chris - sorry you still haven't been able to get a copy. Smash Head was the follow-up to Grange Hill's first chart success "Just Say No" but seems to have been largely forgotten, compared to its forerunner. If you have a recording of the Smash Head video, please let Chris know by dropping a line to info@grangehill.net. Good luck Chris!

Further to Katie Greenyer's message about work experience at Grange Hill, Katrina Bonnon writes: "Hiya Simon, I have just read the feature on "work experience at Grange Hill. I asked and it took along time to get an answer. But they finally said that I couldn't they did give me a reason but I can't remember what it was. So I think that you should tell Katie about the news! Speak to you soon." Thanks Katrina; sorry to hear of your disappointment but Grange Hill are probably bombarded with requests for work experience. We don't wish to dissuade Katie from writing to Mersey TV, however; their address can be found on our Contact page. Good to hear from you again!

With the news that Grange Hill's rival, Byker Grove, is to be axed, Robert Hosie fears the Hill itself will be next: "I notice that BBC Children's TV boss is called Richard DEVERELL!! Will he also be axing Grange Hill? He says he favours making more programmes for primary school children." Hi Robert - yes it's a shock about Byker, and rather ironic considering the BBC will soon be forming a teen brand. The axe was wielded by CBBC boss Richard Deverell, who as you say want to concentrate more on output for the 9-12 age group.

James Duffy: "Was David Threlfall (Frank Gallagher in Shameless) ever in Grange Hill?" We don't think so James. There is no confirmation either way on the International Movie Database, plus Grange Hill has only been produced in the North for three years. So it's unlikely!

Katie Greenyer seeks work experience on the set of Grange Hill: "Hi, I am very interested in acting and Iwould like to experience what it is like on a TV set, so I can decide what to do with my future. I am in year 11 next year and for my work experience in November I am very interested in coming and seeing the Grange Hill set and meeting the cast and just realy seeing behind the scenes. I was woundering if you do work experience. Please let me know if you do." Sorry Katie - you've e-mailed the wrong people! Mersey TV make Grange Hill and we don't know if they offer work experience placements or not. The best thing to do is to write c/o Mersey TV, Campus Manor, Childwall Abbey Road, Liverpool L16 0JP. Good luck"

Dave McAney asks: "Dear Simon, I am attempting to get in touch with Phil Redmond regarding the TV series "Going Out" from the 1980's. can you please help?" I certainly can Dave! Mersey TV is the best place to write to Phil; he may have sold the company but he remains Grange Hill's executive producer. The address is above, see "Work Experience at Grange Hill".

Regina writes: "Hi, I would like to contact John Pickard, as my brother used to work for his dad in a pub in Letchworth, Herts, we haven't had any contact with the latter in a long time and have some important news for him. Is there any chance that this message could be passed to him? Thanks." Hi Regina. Unfortunately GH Online is unable to pass on messages to present or past stars. However, John is currently appearing in Hollyoaks as Dominic Reilly, so you can write to him c/o the show. Hollyoaks is made by Mersey TV, whose address can be found further up this page.

Mr Parrott is my uncle! 01/06/2006

Rebecca asks: "Hi, Have you got any pictures of lovely Mr Parrot the Maths teacher from the 1990's. He is my uncle and I was too little to watch the show then." No problem Rebecca - here is your uncle - actor Peter Leeper - as he appeared in Grange Hill. Why not ask him to drop us a line? Hope you like the pic.