Byker Grove is returning to TV with Ant and Dec producing

The childhood favourite TV show Byker Grove is set for a reboot to entertain a new generation of teens with original stars Ant and Dec as executive producers.

Some 17 years after it departed our TV screens, the Geordie primetime teen show is making a comeback with the new name of Byker.

The classic, which broadcast between 1989 and 2006, told the story of a youth club based in Newcastle, the youngsters who attended it, and staff who worked there.

It launched the careers of household names including Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly (who played famous duo PJ and Duncan), Donna Air, Denise Welch, Jill Halfpenny and Andrew Hayden-Smith.

Production company Fulwell 73 will produce the new show — who have also worked on Sunderland Til I Die and The Kardashians — with presenters Ant and Dec working as executive producers and creative consultants.

Byker will be filmed and produced in the North East, including Newcastle and Sunderland, though it is not yet clear if it will air on BBC or when filming is to begin.

Fulwell 73 have said the programme will be aimed at a ‘primetime audience’ and ‘engage with a new generation of teenagers navigating the different challenges faced by young adults today’.

Donnelly said they are ‘looking forward to help shine a light on the North East’.

Mc Partlin said he ‘can’t wait to bring the iconic series back to life’. Adding: “Already talking characters and storylines has us all buzzing at the possibilities ahead.

“The original series was a 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 and managing partner at Fulwell 73 said: “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.”

McPartlin and Donnelly are to integrate their Prince’s Trust Making It In Media course to the production, helping young people who are pursuing a career in media to gain experience.