Wednesday, 6 February 2008

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SHOCK! Grange Hill axed

BBC confirms children’s favourite will finish this year

The BBC has decided to axe long-running kids’ show Grange Hill after 30 years.

The broadcaster wants to focus on new dramas that are more in tune with the modern audience.

‘Part of CBBC's reputation for reflecting contemporary Britain back to UK children has been built upon [Grange Hill] and of course it's sad to say goodbye to such a much loved institution,’ confirms the BBC’s Anne Gilchrist.

‘The lives of children have changed a great deal since Grange Hill began and we owe it to our audience to reflect this. We're actively seeking out new and exciting ways of bringing social realism to the CBBC audience through drama and other genres.’

BBC drama head Jon East paid tribute to the cult programme.

‘For 30 years, Grange Hill has become a byword for realistic and contemporary children's drama,’ he tells The Sun. ‘It's now time to apply what we've learned over the years to some of the new ideas we're exploring.’

The last series will air later this year.

Ex-EastEnders star Todd Carty, 44, (pictured) made his name in Grange Hill.

See the iconic Grange Hill opening credits in this video…


See the official Grange Hill website>>