Byker Grove is being revived by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly. No, this is not a practise run.
The new series, which is presently in development with Fulwell 73 and Mitre Studio, will return to screens 17 years after it was last shown.
The programme will return as Byker and will be shot and produced in and around the Northeast, following a new generation of youngsters as they manage the issues that young adults confront today.
Ant and Dec, who starred in the original series as best friends PJ and Duncan, will serve as executive producers and creative advisors on the revival.
Speaking about the exciting news, Ant said: ‘We owe such a lot to Byker Grove and the Northeast so we can’t wait to start working with Fulwell 73 and the team to bring this iconic series back to life.’
He went on: ‘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.’
Meanwhile, Dec added: ‘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.
‘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.’
Leo Pearlman and Heather Greenwood of Fulwell 73 will also serve as executive producers, alongside Ant and Dec, who recently announced their departure from ITV’s Saturday Night Takeaway after the 2024 season.
