BYKER GROVE REBOOTED BY ANT & DEC FOR NEW SERIES

IF YOU MISSED IT The new series, which will be titled Byker, will follow a new generation of teenagers navigating their way through teenage life, the challenges faced by young people today. Filmed for a new primetime audience, the new series will be set against the backdrop of Newcastle and the North East.

Original stars Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, who played PJ and Duncan respectively in the original series, will serve as executive producers and creative consultants on the rebooted series.

Ant said: "We owe such a lot to Byker Grove and the North East so we can't wait to start working with Fulwell 73 and the team to bring this iconic series back to life. Already talking characters and storylines has us all buzzing at the possibilities ahead. The original series was the starting point for a lot of North East talent so we're excited to see what the new team will bring."

Dec said: "Byker Grove will always be very special to us as the show which gave us our break, so we are beyond excited to be working together with Fulwell 73 on bringing it back...

"We are looking forward to bringing this fresh incarnation to a whole new generation as well as those who remember it as fondly as we do. As proud Geordies, we're looking forward to help shine a spotlight on the North East and the talent the region has to offer both in front of the camera and behind it."

Leo Pearlman, Fulwell 73 co-founder and managing partner: "Working in collaboration is vital to the North East's success. 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."

Fulwell 73 and Mitre Studios will film across Newcastle and Sunderland as part of both companies' commitment to their home region and North East-based production offices. Ant & Dec will integrate their Prince's Trust Making It In Media course into the production to give experience to young people in the North East.

More details will be announced in due course.