Todd Carty, star of The Bill and Eastenders, started off his life in the spotlight in schoolyard drama, Grange Hill as the loveable wag, Tucker Jenkins. Now, he’s going back to pays his dues in a one-off anniversary special next year which will celebrate the show’s 30th birthday. He said he has enjoyed his renewed involvement, telling the Mirror: “It’s been hugely nostalgic and quite emotional. I was sitting having lunch in the canteen with all the kids and getting a little misty-eyed. I was one of them 30 years ago. I’d wake up every morning excited about going to the studio. That was the best time of my life.”

The actor heaped praise on the show, noting that the gritty, issue-focused writing had helped it to achieve “iconic” status. “Before Grange Hill kids’ TV dramas had all been jolly hockey sticks and Billy Bunter,” he explained. “No one had been brave enough to try anything different. But kids could really identify with Grange Hill and each generation since has grown up with the characters from their era – Tucker or Zammo or Gonch or Robbie.”