Byker Grove is getting a reboot with Ant and Dec as the producers
It originally aired between 1989-2006
Last updated 4th Jul 2023
17 years after the show ended, it's now been confirmed that popular TV series Byker Grove is getting a hugely-antipcated reboot, with former stars Ant and Dec leading as Executive Producers.
Titled Byker, the reboot will be filmed in Newcastle and according to production company Fulwell 73, the series will be aimed 'a primetime audience' and 'engage with a new generation of teenagers navigating the different challenges faced by young adults today'.
Announcing the news in a video posted to social media on Tuesday 4th July, the Geordie duo said: "17 years after it closed its doors for the final time, Byker Grove is opening them up again.
"We've teamed up with the clever tele people at Fullwell 73 to work on a reboot of the nineties TV classic, bringing it back for a whole new audience, as well as those of us who are old enough to remember it so fondly."
Dec, who played the role of Duncan in the show, went on to say: "Now its obviously a show very close to our hearts, the show which gave us our breaks, so we couldn't be more excited that we will be giving it a new lease of life.
"Once again it will follow a new generation of young people and their families as they try to navigate the the challenges they face in the 2020s."
Ant, who portrayed the role of PJ alongside Dec, added: "And bringing it back gives us here at Mitre Studios, alongside Fulwell 73, the opportunity to provide sustainable training and employment in front of and behind the camera for talent in the North East."
Although it hasn't yet been confirmed if Ant and Dec will reprise their roles as PJ and Duncan, Dec did say in the video: "We're so excited. I wonder where PJ and Duncan are nowadays, and if they'll pop into The Grove on their way past?"
See which other TV shows are getting a reboot in 2023:
Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother
Reality TV fans across the UK were buzzing in 2022 when ITV bosses announced plans to reboot Big Brother, five years after it was cancelled by Channel 5.
The series kicked off on Sunday 8th October with new hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best. After six weeks, the final took place on Friday 17th November, where 26-year-old lawyer Jordan was crowned the winner.
The show has now been renewed for a second series, as well as Celebrity Big Brother airing in March 2024, with the final taking place on Friday 22nd March.
Channel: ITV2/STV2
Survivor
Despite being cancelled by ITV after two series in the Noughties, BBC bosses confirmed in 2022 that they were set to revive popular gameshow Survivor.
Starting on 28th October 2023 and airing for eight weeks, 18 people from across the UK were marooned in a tropical location in two tribes and went head-to-head in a range of physical and psychological challenges. During the final in December 2023, Matthew was crowned the winner.
Channel: BBC/BBC iPlayer
Deal or No Deal
Originally airing on Channel 4 between 2005 and 2016, it was announced in 2022 that hit gameshow Deal or No Deal was going to be rebooted by ITV, with brand new host Stephen Mulhern.
The brand new series kicked off on Monday 20th November 2023, taking over Tipping Point's slot on ITV/STV. Despite only airing for four weeks, the show was loved by viewers, and bosses have now confirmed the show will return for a second series later in 2024.
Channel: ITV/STV
Gladiators
90s gameshow Gladiators was a huge hit with viewers before it was axed in 2000, so it's no surprise fans were delighted when BBC bosses confirmed they were rebooting the show.
With Bradley Walsh and his son Barney confirmed as the new hosts, the 11-part series was filmed in Sheffield in June 2023, and hit our screens in January 2024, with six million people tuning in for the first episode. Following the series one final, the show has been renewed for a second series.
Channel: BBC/BBC iPlayer
Jeopardy!
The US version of Jeopardy! was a massive hit in the 1980s when it was first shown in the UK, and ITV bosses have signed up Stephen Fry to host a UK version!
The new show will have 20 episodes where contestants will get the chance to show off their general knowledge skills, and it kicked off on New Year's Day in 2024.
Channel: ITV/STV
Wheel of Fortune
ITV announced in June 2023 that they were rebooting classic gameshow Wheel of Fortune, with Graham Norton hosting the show. The new series will kick off on Saturday 6th January 2024.
The original series ran between 1988 to 2001 and was very popular with viewers.
Channel: ITV/STV
Waterloo Road
BBC school drama Waterloo Road was axed after 10 series back in 2015, but fans were over the moon in 2022 when it was announced the school's doors were re-opening, with some original cast members returning!
Series 11 aired on BBC One in January 2023, with series 12 starting on 16th May. Series 13 then kicked off in January 2024. The show has also been renewed for another series, which will air later in the year.
Channel: BBC/BBC iPlayer
Byker Grove
17 years after the final episode aired, Geordie duo Ant and Dec confirmed the news they were rebooting popular series Byker Grove! Titled, Byker, the new series will 'engage with a new generation of teenagers navigating the different challenges faced by young adults today'.
60 Minute Makeover
According to reports in March 2024, ITV/STV bosses are planning on rebooting home renovation show 60 Minute Makeover. The show first aired in 2004 with host Claire Sweeney.
Channel: ITV/STV
Airing between 1989-2006 on the BBC, Byker Grove was filmed in Byker, Newcastle, and was a coming of age teen drama. The hit series documented the turbulent lives of the members of Byker Grove Youth Centre, kick starting the careers of some major actors.
As well as Ant and Dec, the likes of Donna Air, Jill Halfpenny, Dale Meeks, Charlie Hardwick, Chelsea Halfpenny, Laura Norton and Victoria Hawkins all appeared in the series.
Although no details about Byker's storyline, cast or release date are yet to be revealed, we can't wait for further updates!
Now read:
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Ant and Dec's complete career timeline: From Byker Grove to Saturday Night Takeaway
All of the TV shows getting a reboot in 2023