Grange Hill legend Lee MacDonald, best known for his role as Zammo McGuire in the cult BBC One Soap, has announced he is battling skin cancer.
The actor, 56, appeared as troubled school pupil Zammo for five years between 1982 and 1987, and during that time was the star behind one of it’s most controversial storylines.
The plot, which saw him spiral into a heroin addiction, and later overdose on a bathroom floor, inspired a campaign against drug abuse peer pressure.
Inspired by phrase coined by then-First Lady of the USA Nancy Reagan, the cast recorded a Top 10 hit called ‘Just Say No’, that would later be performed in The White House in 1986.
In 2019, he starred in EastEnders as Terry, a bus driver that Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) tracked down to buy Spice Girls tickets from when the two both entered the same radio competition.
After he refused to sell up, Mick returned to the Queen Vic but Terry later popped by and admitted his wife wasn’t really a fan of the 90s girl group and offered them to the landlord instead.
Donning costumes based on Baby, Scary, Ginger and Posh, the Carter family – including Linda (Kellie Bright), Shirley (Linda Henry) and Tina (Luisa Bradshaw-White) headed off to the concert to the tune of ‘Who Do You Think You Are’.
Taking to X/Twitter, Lee shared the news with his fans: ‘Went to the doctors today to check an unusual spot on my face! Doctor says it’s cancer!’ he said.
‘As we older please keep an eye on anything unusual and hopefully get it looked at early!!! Booked in to get it sorted over the next couple of days!’
His shock diagnosis was met with a number of supportive comments who wished him well.
Zammo was one of Grange Hill’s most iconic characters (Picture: BBC/PA)
It is with deep sadness that we learn of Grange Hill legend Lee MacDonald’s battle with skin cancer. Best known for his role as Zammo McGuire in the cult BBC One Soap, the actor has left a lasting impact on audiences with his portrayal of the troubled school pupil.
During his time on the show from 1982 to 1987, MacDonald was at the center of one of the most controversial storylines, depicting Zammo’s spiral into heroin addiction and subsequent overdose. This powerful narrative inspired a campaign against drug abuse and peer pressure, culminating in the cast recording the Top 10 hit ‘Just Say No’ and performing it at The White House in 1986.
In more recent years, MacDonald made a guest appearance on EastEnders as Terry, a bus driver who crossed paths with Mick Carter. Despite the lighthearted exchange over Spice Girls tickets, it is clear that MacDonald’s talent has continued to shine on the screen.
Lee MacDonald’s candid announcement about his cancer diagnosis serves as a reminder for everyone to keep an eye on any unusual changes on their skin and seek medical attention promptly. We wish him a speedy recovery and send our thoughts and well wishes during this difficult time.
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Source: Los Angeles Times (edited)
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Source: Los Angeles Times (edited)
