Ant and Dec drama Byker Grove returns to screens for first time on STV Player

Byker Grove is available to stream for the first time ever on STV Player.

The hard hitting teen drama series is known for launching the careers of Ant and Dec as well as featuring the first-ever gay kiss on UK children’s TV.

Described at the time as a trailblazer, Byker Grove became a much-loved staple of after-school viewing for millions of teenagers after its launch on BBC One in 1989.

Set in the Byker area of Newcastle, the series follows the lives and relationships of a group of young people who spend their downtime at local youth club, the Grove.

Byker Grove was renowned for tackling challenging social issues, such as drug addiction, child abuse, homophobia and abortion.

The series has been off air for 20 years but is now available to stream across the UK on STV Player as part of a co-exclusivity deal with Ant and Dec’s production company Mitre Studios.

The show catapulted the duo’s careers 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.

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!”

Ed Sleeman, Managing Director at Mitre Studios added: “We’re delighted to be teaming up with 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.”

The show also served as a major training ground for both on-screen and off-screen talent, including Jill Halfpenny, Donna Air and writer Catherine Johnson, who later wrote the hit musical Mamma Mia!.

Stream the first three seasons of Byker Grove now on STV Player.