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Fans of classic ’90s kids’ TV are in for a treat, as Byker Grove is officially back and streaming online for the very first time.
The ground-breaking children’s drama, which ran on BBC One from 1989 to 2006, has been made available to stream for free on STV Player and ITVX starting this week.
The move is part of a relaunch by Ant & Dec’s production company Mitre Studios, which owns the rights to the beloved Newcastle-based series.
Ant & Dec, of course, shot to fame as teenagers thanks to their roles as PJ & Duncan on Byker Grove, and the pair went on to enjoy huge chart success in the mid-’90s with hits including Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble, which remains a nostalgic favourite.
In a joint statement, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly said: “We’re thrilled to see the Grove back on screens for a whole new generation to discover, and for fans like us to relive those iconic moments. It was such a huge part of our lives growing up, and it’s great to see it celebrated properly.”
Set in Newcastle’s Byker area, Byker Grove followed the lives of teenagers who attended the local youth club, known simply as The Grove. Over its 17-year run, the series became known for its gritty storylines that tackled serious social issues head-on, a rarity for a children’s programme at the time.
Credit: ITV/STV
Among the topics explored were drug addiction, homelessness, abortion, and homophobia. In 1994, Byker Grove made UK TV history by airing the first gay kiss between two boys on a children’s programme, when Noddy Fishwick kissed his friend Gary Hendrix, a moment that remains iconic to this day.
Alongside Ant & Dec, the show also launched the careers of other stars including Jill Halfpenny (EastEnders, Strictly Come Dancing) and Donna Air (The Split, Splash!).
For many who grew up in the ’90s and early ’00s, Byker Grove was appointment viewing after school, with its honest storylines and authentic regional voice helping it stand apart from more polished London-based shows.
The show’s theme song and its famous catchphrase, “Watch out, Geordie boys about!”, still hold a special place in the hearts of fans.
Viewers can now binge classic episodes for free on STV Player and ITVX, bringing the nostalgia of Tyneside’s most famous youth club back to life.
One fan posted on social media: “This is the best news! The Grove defined my childhood, can’t wait to relive it all over again!”
Another added: “I can’t believe Noddy and Gary’s kiss was 30 years ago! Such an important moment in TV history.”
