It was the TV show that many of us grew up with and Byker Grove is about to make a shock return to TV, over 30 years on from its debut.
With one of the most iconic theme tunes of its era and storylines that hooked millions of young viewers and their parents at teatime for close to two decades, Byker Grove is one of the most successful children's TV shows of all time and gave a first slice of TV fame to household names like Ant and Dec, Jill Halfpenny, Denise Welch, Charlie Hunnam and Donna Air.
Other stars who were in the Byker Grove cast included North East legend Billy Fane, who played Grove leader Geoff, Jill's cousin Chelsea and Lyndyann Barrass, who was one of the most recognisable faces on TV in the early 90s, thanks to playing Spuggy.
Byker Grove was last on our screens 17 years ago and it being brought back by Fulwell73, the company who brought us Netflix smash Sunderland Til I Die, as well as international hits like the Friends Reunion and The Kardashians; in partnership with Ant and Dec's production house Mitre Studios. The lads broke the news on Twitter on Tuesday morning that it was coming back, as they told fans: "We hope you’re as psyche(d) as us for this comeback"
READ MORE: Where are the Byker Grove cast now? From pop careers to 50 Shades
Mitre have been responsible for a number of Ant and Dec's most successful shows, including Saturday Night Takeaway, DNA Journey and Limitless Win. The Geordie hosts, having been known to millions as PJ and Duncan in the 90s, will be executive producers for the reboot, which will have the new name of BYKER.
BYKER will feature a new generation of teenagers navigating the different challenges faced by young adults today. The series will aim to serve a cross generational audience including stories for a nostalgic audience of past fans as well as teenagers today, all set against the backdrop of Newcastle and the North East.
Over the moon to be bringing Byker Grove back, Dec said: "Byker Grove will always be very special to us as the show which gave us our break, so we are beyond excited to be working together with Fulwell 73 on bringing it back. We are looking forward to bringing this fresh incarnation to a whole new generation as well as those who remember it as fondly as we do. "
He added: "As proud Geordies, we’re looking forward to help shine a spotlight on the North East and the talent the region has to offer both in front of the camera and behind it."
Equally as enthusiastic, Ant said: "We owe such a lot to Byker Grove and the North East so we can’t wait to start working with Fulwell 73 and the team to bring this iconic series back to life. Already talking characters and storylines has us all buzzing at the possibilities ahead. The original series was the starting point for a lot of North East talent so we're excited to see what the new team will bring."
Leo Pearlman, Co-founder & Managing Partner at Fulwell 73 said: “Working in collaboration is vital to the North East’s success. Partnering through our Sunderland office with Ant and Dec’s company Mitre Studios, an unlikely and yet dream team of Mackems and Geordies, to bring back a series starring and made by local people is something we’re incredibly proud of at Fulwell 73. We can’t wait to share BYKER with new and old fans alike, showcasing the very best of our region to the world as part of our long-term commitment to a sustainable industry in the North East.”
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