AN ICONIC 90s kids show is coming to streaming for the first time ever.
The popular show made multiple cast members into enduring household names.
Byker Grove is coming to streaming for the first time[/caption]
The popular kids drama launched Ant & Dec’s careers[/caption]
Classic episodes of Byker Grove will be available to stream for free on STV Player and ITVX.
Ant & Dec featured prominently in the series, playing best friends P.J. and Duncan.
The streaming services have partnered with Ant & Dec’s production company Mitre Studios – which owns the rights to Byker Grove – in order to relaunch the series.
Viewers across the UK can stream it now on STV Player and on ITVX from later this year.
Ant & Dec’s characters, PJ & Duncan were among the most popular and enjoyed chart success with eight Top 20 singles – including Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble.
Having launched on BBC One in 1989, Byker Grove fast became an after-school viewing staple for teenagers.
The series takes place in Byker, Newcastle – while following the lives of young people at local youth club, the Grove.
During its run, Byker Grove tackled social issues such as abortion, drug addiction and homophobia.
In 1994, it also featured the first gay kiss on UK children’s TV – when character Noddy Fishwick kissed his friend Gary Hendrix.
Past cast members also include Jill Halfpenny, who featured from 1989 to 1992.
In addition, Donna Air starred in four series from 1992 until 1995.
Byker Grove follows another legendary British drama, Brookside onto STV Player.
The streaming service relaunched classic episodes of the iconic Merseyside soap.
Richard Williams, STV’s Managing Director, Audience: Video & Technology, said: “Just when you thought the 90s revival might have been slowing down, we’ve only gone and brought back one of the seminal TV shows of the decade.
“Byker Grove was an integral part of so many British childhoods and we’re delighted that those original viewers – now of a slightly more mature vintage – can relive all the nostalgic action on STV Player.
Ant and Dec’s incredible career
ANT McPartlin and Declan Donnelly met on the set of Byker Grove in 1990.
The two went on to have chart success under their characters’ names – including their 1994 No1 smash hit Let’s Get Ready To Rhumble.
They haven’t looked back since then, going on to present some of the most popular shows on TV.
Here’s a rundown of some of their most popular shows – plus one “dud”.
- The Ant & Dec Show – this late afternoon kids’ entertainment series ran from 1995-1996 for 17 episodes
- Ant & Dec Unzipped – the twosome jumped from ITV to Channel 4 for this children’s sketch show in 1997
- SM:TV Live – the duo teamed up with Cat Deeley in 1998 for Saturday morning mayhem including the classic Wonkey Donkey game
- Friends Like These – the Geordie pair hopped channels again, landing on BBC One to present this game show from 1999 until 2001
- Pop Idol – before The X Factor there was Pop Idol, which ran for two seasons in 2001 and 2002 and saw Michelle McManus and Will Young crowned the winners
- I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here – the reality TV show began in 2002, with Dec presenting all 23 seasons, even one without sidekick Ant as Holly Willoughby stepped up
- Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway – this show also began in 2002, but the lads said the 2024 offering would be their last
- PokerFace – Ant and Dec created this game show which aired from 2006-2007. with a top prize of £1million.
- Britain’s Got Talent – the TV series began in 2007 with the pair’s backstage antics loved by fans. They also took part in silly competitions on Stephen Mulhern‘s ITV spin-off Britain’s Got More Talent
- Red Or Black – the show only aired for two seasons in 2011 and 2012. It was one of the pair’s rare “flops” with Dec admitting “we got it wrong”
- Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win – the pair had another success on their hands when this show hit screens in 2022
“And if any Gen Z viewers want to find out who really started the baggy trousers trend, look no further than Byker Grove!”
Craig Morris, Managing Editor, ITV Channels & ITVX, said: “We are so excited to bring this iconic coming-of-age series to ITVX, marking the first TV appearances of two ITV stalwarts.
“Relive all the great moments with us later this year.”
Ed Sleeman, MD at Mitre Studios added: “We’re delighted to be teaming up with ITVX and STV Player to give a new generation of viewers the opportunity to watch this iconic series from the start and to see where it all began for Ant & Dec.”
The duo met playing fictional friends PJ and Duncan[/caption]
