Byker Grove

Image: Declan Donnelly as Duncan and Anthony McPartlin as Peter PJ Jenkins (aka 'Ant and Dec') in series four of 'Byker Grove' in 1992 outside 'The Grove' - the location is Benwell Towers in Newcastle upon Tyne. 

The first episode of children’s drama serial Byker Grove was shown on 8 November 1989. It was created by Andrea Wonfor and Adele Rose and written by Rose – an experienced writer on Coronation Street. The combination of the Newcastle setting – with accents rarely heard on television - and the drama’s refreshing willingness to air issues like teenage sexuality and racism, made it an instant hit. The memorable theme tune was written by The Kane Gang.

In the first episode Julie (Lucy Walsh) - unhappy that her family have relocated from London - goes to the club at Byker Grove, described by youth leader Alison (Vicky Murray) as "an alternative place to be". She meets the regulars including Gill (Caspar Berry), Winston (Craig Reilly), Donna (Sally McQuillan), Nicola (Jill Halfpenny), Spuggie (Lyndyann Barrass) and Cas (Niall Shearer). The programme gave many other young actors their big break, not least Ant and Dec, whose popularity as PJ and Duncan was turned into a pop career.

Byker Grove came to an end after 18 series in 2006, following a decision to concentrate on programming for younger viewers. Today children’s drama on the BBC is represented by programmes as varied as The Dumping Ground, 4 O’clock Club and Wizards v Aliens.