Ant and Dec are launching a reboot of teen drama Byker Grove 17 years after it last appeared on the BBC.

The new series, currently in development with Fulwell 73 and Mitre Studios, will return under the name Byker and be filmed and produced in and around the North East.

The show, which launched the careers of television presenters Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, will see a new generation of teenagers navigating the challenges faced by young adults set against a backdrop of Newcastle and the North East.

McPartlin and Donnelly, who played fun-loving duo PJ and Duncan in the original series, will serve as executive producers and creative consultants of the reboot.

“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,” McPartlin said.

“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.”