British television presenting duo Ant and Dec are getting ready to rumble audiences with a brand new version of the ’90s British TV teen classic series that catapulted them both into the limelight back in the day, “Byker Grove.” The title of the new series will be simply “Byker” this time round.
Originally airing between 1989 and 2006 at part of CBBC on BBC One the show quickly made is place as a household favourite, set in a youth club in the Byker district of Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Much of the series’ popularity lay in the fact that the storyline was geared towards a young adult and teenage audience, addressing controversial subject matter such as drug addiction, child abuse, homelessness, teenage pregnancy, homophobia and abortion.
London & LA based production company Fulwell 73 will develop the project with Ant and Dec’s Mitre Studios.
Commenting on the reboot, which is yet to be attached to a broadcaster, the producers said that this version will cater for a primetime audience and will “engage with a new generation of teenagers navigating the different challenges faced by young adults today.”
Leo Pearlman and Heather Greenwood will serve as executive producers for Fulwell 73 and Ant and Dec will serve as both executive producers and creative consultants for their Mitre banner.
Off-screen, “Byker” will strive to provide a returnable series, offering sustainable training both in front of and behind the camera, including new talent in a North East-focused writers’ room and internships. Fulwell 73 and Mitre Studios will work together to film in Newcastle and Sunderland as part of both companies’ commitment to their home region and North East based production offices. Ant and Dec will also seek to integrate their Prince’s Trust “Making it in Media” course as part of the production to offer experience and build confidence for young people in the North East looking to pursue a career in the industry.
