Lee MacDonald: Former Grange Hill star, who played Zammo, reveals skin cancer diagnosis after noticing 'unusual spot on my face'

Former Grange Hill star Lee MacDonald, who played Zammo McGuire in the iconic children's show, has said he has been diagnosed with skin cancer.

The actor, 56, said he went to see a doctor after noticing an "unusual spot on my face", who confirmed it was cancer.

In a post on social media, referred to by several sources, he warned others: "As we get 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."

Fans took to the comment section to share their well wishes, the Daily Mail said, wishing him "a speedy resolution" and thanking him for highlighting the subject.

MacDonald is best known for playing Samuel Maguire, or Zammo, a character who became addicted to heroin during his five-year stint in the BBC series set in a London comprehensive school, between 1982 and 1987.

Grange Hill, which ran for 30 years from 1978, became well known for tackling issues such as drug abuse, as well as racism, teenage pregnancy, mental illness and HIV and Aids.

Household name

MacDonald's hard-hitting storyline climaxed in an overdose scene, which he survived.

Along with other members of the cast, he helped the anti-drugs campaign Just Say No, by releasing a charity single which was a Top 10 hit.

He later said the association with drugs damaged his acting career.

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After leaving Grange Hill in 1987 he planned to turn his boxing hobby into a career, but his dream was ended by a serious car accident when he was 21 that left him with severe head injuries.

He picked up some small acting roles in The Bill, Birds Of A Feather, Neighbours and, in 2019, EastEnders.

Grange Hill made household names of many of its characters, including MacDonald, and Tucker Jenkins, played by Todd Carty.

In 2022, creator Sir Phil Redmond spoke about the show returning as a film.