Byker Grove bows out
Ant and Dec: Byker goes
Metro12 April 2012
Byker Grove, the popular children's TV show, is to be axed by the BBC after 17 years.
The Newcastle-based show, which launched the careers of prime time TV presenters Ant and Dec, will end after the next series to make room for more shows for primary school children.
BBC Children's Controller Richard Deverell said: 'The time has come for us to say a fond farewell to Byker Grove.
'It has spawned some excellent talent on and off screen.'
'We made the decision after considering how it fits with our focus on the primary school age group.'
The show tackled hard-hitting issues including drug addiction, child abuse, teenage pregnancy and abortion.
Presenter Donna Air and ex-EastEnder Jill Halfpenny also got their first breaks on the show.
