BYKER GROVE: CLASSIC EPISODES TO BE MADE AVAILABLE ON ITVX

It was essential viewing for young teenagers growing up in the nineties and early noughties and now, nearly two decades after its original run came to an end, Byker Grove is finally returning to UK screens – with classic episodes available to stream for free on STV Player and ITVX.

The streaming services have partnered with Ant & Dec’s production company Mitre Studios, which owns the rights to Byker Grove, to relaunch the series. Viewers across the UK can stream it now on STV Player and on ITVX later this year. 

Byker Grove originally launched on BBC One in 1989 and quickly became a much-loved staple of after-school viewing for millions of teenagers. Set in the Byker area of Newcastle, the series follows the lives and relationships of a group of young people who spend their down time at local youth club, the Grove. 

A TV trailblazer, Byker Grove was renowned for tackling challenging social issues, such as drug addiction, child abuse, homophobia and abortion. In 1994, the series featured the first gay kiss on UK children’s TV, when character Noddy Fishwick kissed close friend Gary Hendrix at the back of a cinema. 

It helped launch the careers of Ant & Dec, whose Byker characters, PJ & Duncan, were two of the show’s most popular and even went on to enjoy chart success with eight top 20 singles, including the number one, ‘Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble’. 

Other successful actors who got their start on Byker Grove include Jill Halfpenny, who appeared in four series between 1989-1992, and Donna Air, who also starred in four series between 1992-1995.

The show was a major training ground for behind-the-scenes talent too, with former writer, Catherine Johnson, going on to pen hit musical Mamma Mia! and Tom Hooper, who directed episodes in 1997, later winning the Academy Award for Best Director for his work on The King’s Speech.

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. 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.”

Stream Byker Grove for free on STV Player now and on ITVX from later this year.