but he always impresses with his good intentions and positivity and therefore is popular with just about everyone in the school (Potter being an occasional exception). In one of the ways in which the show occasionally touched on more serious themes Dennis often talks about the cruelty of his father towards him and his mother and staff and pupils are united in their solidarity with him. Frankie Abbott (Portrayed by David Barry) Abbott is a trouble-maker and fantasist who often tries to portray himself as tough and talented (e.g. that he is a private eye called "Hank Abbott") but is always exposed as inept and immature. He is regarded with derision by staff and his fellow pupils. He is embarrassed by his mother (played by Barbara Mitchell) who calls him "my little soldier" and makes all-too clear that he has a lot of growing-up to do. Sharon Eversleigh (Portrayed by Penny Spencer, and later portrayed by Carol Hawkins) Sharon dresses and acts in a flirtatious manner, often to the embarrassment of her teacher Mr Hedges but to the approval of the boys. She is well-versed in relationships, including with Duffy and Craven as well as the unseen "Vic". Maureen Bullock (Portrayed by Liz Gebhardt) Maureen has two passions in life - her Catholic faith and her very public crush on Mr Hedges, which he does his best not to indulge but is never successful in deflecting her interest. She is generally one of the more dedicated pupils and often talks of her religious leader Monsignor Sopwith - another of the rarely seen (only one episode), much-discussed characters in the show. She is, though, capable of occasional protests and rebellious behaviour, often when she feels overlooked by Mr Hedges. She generally gets on well with Sharon but the two occasionally have their differences with Maureen regarding Sharon as sometimes crossing the line in her appearance and provocative demeanour. Former Weaver Street pupils (Series 4 only) Terry Stringer (Portrayed by Barry McCarthy) Stringer is the leader of the former Weaver Street pupils who arrive almost half-way through Series 4. He therefore has some similarities with Eric Duffy but without the latter's good-humour, wit and essential good-naturedness. Also unlike Eric he relies on another pupil (Gobber) to make sure the others follow his lead. Gobber (Portrayed by Charles Bolton). His actual name is Robin Gibbon but he is almost always referred to as