The TV show which catapulted Ant and Dec to fame at an early age is set to make an epic return in November – 36 years on from its pilot episode.
Byker Grove first hit British TV screens way back in November 1989 and the coming-of-age drama proved itself to be an instant hit.
Now, thanks to Ant and Dec’s production company, Mitre Studios, which owns the rights to the classic kids’ show, it is being brought back by ITVX.
In case your memory needs refreshing, or you’re simply too young to remember it, Byker Grove is set in the Byker district of Newcastle.
The show centres around a group of teens who spend their time at a local youth club called – yes, you guessed it – the Grove.
It won widespread acclaim for tackling a number of hard-hitting issues in an accessible way for young people, including drug addiction, child abuse, homophobia and abortion.
The TV show which catapulted Ant and Dec to fame at an early age is set to make an epic return in November – 36 years on from its pilot episode – Byker Grove
Now, thanks to Ant and Dec’s production company, Mitre Studios, which owns the rights to the classic kids’ show, it is being brought back ITVX
Byker Grove also made history back in 1994 by featuring children’s television’s first-ever gay kiss.
This was between Noddy Fishwick and his close friend Gary Hendrix at the back of a cinema.
The show didn’t just give Ant and Dec their start in the entertainment industry either and it also provided a starting point for Jill Halfpenny, who remains an actress to this day after appearing in Byker Grove between 1989 and 1992.
One of the show’s former writers, Catherine Johnson, also went onto bigger things and after working on the show in 1997, she went on to write the ABBA-inspired musical Mamma Mia!
Craig Morris, Director of Channels, ITVX & Acquisitions, said: ‘ITV audiences have grown up with Ant & Dec.
‘We are delighted to whisk viewers all the way back to the moment they first shared the screen together.
‘Enjoy every moment from this iconic coming-of-age series on ITVX this November.’
Ed Sleeman, MD at Mitre Studios, added: ‘Byker Grove on ITVX marks the return of a legendary series which made TV history, launching the careers of Ant & Dec and helping shape a generation of viewers.’
The show won widespread acclaim for tackling a number of hard-hitting issues in an accessible way for young people including drug addiction, child abuse, homophobia and abortion
News of the show’s return comes after two cast members recently reunited – and one of them is completely unrecognisable.
Nearly 20 years on, with a bushy silver beard, this star looks a far cry from the brown boyish crop and clean-shaven look for which he was known – but can you guess who he is?
It’s Daymon Britton, who played Dom Meredith in the hit TV show, which reached 11 million viewers an episode at its peak.
Earlier this month, Daymon reunited with his former co-star Andrew Hayden Smith, who starred as Ben Carter for seven years.
The two men appeared on the Back to Byker YouTube channel, which sees former cast members speak about the iconic series.
Andrew took to his Instagram page to share a picture of the two of them smiling.
Earlier this month, Daymon reunited with his former co-star Andrew Hayden Smith who starred as Ben Carter for seven years
During his time on Byker Grove the actor played the character of Assistant Youth Leader Dom Meredith and has also appeared in a number of soaps including Emmerdale and Hollyoaks
He penned: ‘It was lovely to catch up with Daymon after all these years.
‘He has some great stories and this one’s full of BG memories you definitely don’t want to miss.’
Speaking in 2023 about his time on the show, Daymon told The Sun: ‘When I was involved, I used to get noticed a lot by people when out and about.
‘Students all over the country would watch it back-to-back on Sundays when they were hungover.
‘I would get noticed a lot in pubs too.
‘You’d get recognised by kids and mums in supermarkets, and then students out drinking on weekend.
‘Living in Newcastle around that time, it was amazing.’
