The teen drama ran between 1989 and 2006 on BBC One, and is now be available to watch on STV Player and will be available on ITVX later this year. The show launched the careers of Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, who are now most famously known for hosting Britain's Got Talent and I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.
Byker Grove also launched the careers of Jill Halfpenny and Donna Air, and was the sarting point for Catherine Johnson who later went on to write Mamma Mia The Musical. Byker Grove has been acredited for training many behind the scenes talent.
Craig Morris, managing editor of 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."
Byker Grove was set in the Byker area of Newcastle and was known for tackling social issues such as drug addiction, homophobia, abortion and child abuse. In 1994 the show aired what is thought to be the first ever gay kiss on UK childrens television.
STV's Managing Director for Audience: Video and Technology, Richard Williams, said it was exciting to be bringing the show back. “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," he said. Williams continued to say, "And if any Gen Z viewers want to find out who really started the baggy trousers trend, look no further than Byker Grove!”
