Grange Hill: Andrew Stanton (TRIBUTE)

In the first series, Justin Bennett had been a lonely character - one with no close friends, and who was teased by his classmates. The writers decided to create for him a confidant and companion, someone tougher than him who would create a buffer between Justin and the other boys. This was Andrew Stanton, joining the cast for its second leg in 1979.
Andrew is scarcely mentioned when discussing the original cast of Grange Hill, which is a shame as his character might just be the most complex. He’s introduced as a tough, almost stroppy kid after moving to Grange Hill in the second semester of the first year, but soon is revealed his passion for music and his apparent fondness for Justin. He isn’t really a mean kid after all; it’s just that his parents are always rowing and are on the brink of divorce. Actually, he’s quite nice, and even a bit of a jokester. He’s funny and kind. He’s one of those kids who’ll bring trick blots to school. He has a strong sense of justice, not just in defending fellow students in his year from bullying but also in advocating for improvements to the school and starting fundraisers to do so. Yet, his rocky home life often affects him socially, causing him to be volatile and sometimes quite rude, and eventually pick up a drinking problem.
This storyline with his parents divorcing - which they eventually do, and his dad takes his sister with him - was one of the first serious issues tackled on Grange Hill. It was a storyline that spanned over three series, and made for a well written character. This, combined with his sub-textually romantic relationship with Justin, makes Andrew one of the first Grange Hill characters to tackle a serious subject, and I can’t quite understand why he is remembered by so little.
Well, cheers!
Here’s to Andrew Stanton: Grange Hill’s true unsung hero.

[@mark000888]

He was one of the prettiest boys in Grange Hill, without a doubt.

[@thethousandthhaunt3129]

I really like Andrew, this was really nice!

[@st3wpot]

@thethousandthhaunt3129 He’s my absolute favourite! So underrated in it all. Thank you for the kind words!

[@GrangeHillFansBuzzingRocks]

Nice one. 👍🏿😎

[@hopebgood]

I remember Grange Hill with fond memories. A good vid with a great Smiths song. Works well.

[@st3wpot]

@@hopebgood Thanks! Must admit, I picked the song for two reasons. One being that it is my favourite Smiths song, the other being the lyric ‘and when I fell on the floor, I drank more.’ Lol.

[@RobertCraig-Morgan]

Love it 👍🏻😊

[@st3wpot]

@@RobertCraig-Morgan Means a lot coming from you! By the way, I plan to make a video specifically for Justin in the near future. Any particular song suggestions you’d like to hear for the video? :-)

[@RobertCraig-Morgan]

​@@st3wpotThat would be fantastic, I'll let you choose the song. Look forward to seeing it. Best wishes....Rob

[@stevengn7245]

❤ nice vid

[@st3wpot]

@@stevengn7245 Thank you!

[@stevengn7245]

@@st3wpot my pleasure. I'm a big fan of your videos!