Picture: Class of 1978 - the cast of Grange Hill series 1
Grange Hill started on 8 February 1978. The children's drama was created by Phil Redmond and set in a mixed comprehensive school in London. It aimed to offer a realistic look at school life, different to the more traditional depictions seen in stories like Billy Bunter. Due to its success, from the second series the show went to twice a week, and gradually introduced more controversial story lines.
Through the lives of its characters Grange Hill was able to raise issues such as bullying, shoplifting, pregnancy and drug addiction, while avoiding accusations from its teenage audience that it was trying to educate them. The long unfolding story of Zammo's battle with heroin addiction is the best remembered in the series. At the same time the language of Grange Hill was restrained by its teatime time slot, with swearing limited to phrases like "flippin' 'eck".
The final episode of Grange Hill aired in September 2008, with the original theme tune - "Chicken Man" by Alan Hawkshaw - playing for one last time. Todd Carty returned in the role of Tucker Jenkins. Phil Redmond went on to create Brookside and Hollyoaks. On the BBC today the school drama Waterloo Road (2006-2015) had a substantial following among teenagers.
February anniversaries
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Blue Peter 5000th edition
1 February 2018 -
Face to Face
4 February 1959 -
First TV Sports commentary
4 February 1937 -
The Wombles
5 February 1973 -
A Night of Comic Relief
5 February 1988 -
Greenwich Time Signal - the 'pips'
5 February 1924 -
Grange Hill
8 February 1978 -
BBC Three is launched
9 February 2003 -
Doomwatch
9 February 1970 -
Bagpuss
12 February 1974 -
The EBU - European Broadcasting Union formed
12 February 1950 -
Potter's Wheel Interlude
16 February 1953 -
Start of Six-Five Special
16 February 1957 -
The Apprentice
16 February 2005 -
Hospital Watch
17 February 1986 -
Elizabeth R
17 February 1971 -
One Man and His Dog
17 February 1976 -
Antiques Roadshow
18 February 1979 -
Tonight launched
18 February 1957 -
Wogan
18 February 1985 -
EastEnders first episode
19 February 1985 -
Open All Hours
20 February 1976 -
First national broadcast of prices for farmers
20 February 1925 -
General Election results televised for the first time
23 February 1950 -
Civilisation
23 February 1969 -
Yes Minister
25 February 1980 -
Mr Benn
25 February 1971