logo
Byker Grove cast now from tragic death to chart-topping success

Byker Grove cast now from tragic death to chart-topping success

Daily Record8 hours ago

The series will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up in the North East in the 1980s and 1990s
For those who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, Byker Grove stirs up a wave of nostalgia, not to mention the numerous big stars it birthed over the years. The iconic children's drama was centred around a youth club in Newcastle.
Despite its simple premise, the show managed to tap into something much larger - mirroring the lives of young people and addressing real-world issues, reports Chronicle Live. It first graced our screens in 1989, rapidly becoming a cultural sensation at a time when Grange Hill was also drawing in massive audiences.

It served as a launchpad for many of its cast members who went on to become household names. However, in the nearly 20 years since the show concluded, not everyone has achieved the same level of fame as original PJ and Duncan, AKA Declan Donnelly and Ant McPartlin.

But devotees of the cult-classic are bracing themselves for some excitement as Ant and Dec recently revealed that work has commenced on a reboot which could potentially see some of the original cast return. But what became of the original stars?
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly - P. J and Duncan
The biggest stars to emerge from the original show are undoubtedly Ant and Dec. The pair portrayed best mates PJ and Duncan and their stint on Byker Grove included one of the show's most notorious scenes when PJ was accidentally blinded by a paintball shot fired by his girlfriend.
Since their departure from the show in 1993, Ant and Dec initially made waves in the music industry, forming a duo under their former characters' names to release Let's Get Ready to Rumble.
The pair have since established themselves as some of the UK's most prominent TV hosts, fronting over 20 series of Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, as well as hosting prime-time favourites I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and Britain's Got Talent.
Jill Halfpenny - Nicola Dobson

Jill Halfpenny portrayed the beloved character Nicola Dobson, one of the central figures in the early seasons of the show. Byker Grove would serve as a springboard for the actress's career, landing her roles in both Coronation Street and EastEnders.
Jill Halfpenny's portrayal of Nicola Dobson was a hit with viewers, and the actress continues to captivate audiences decades later. Following her stint on the nation's biggest soaps, the actress competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, eventually winning the glitter ball trophy which helped secure her a role in Chicago on the West End.
The 49-year-old continued her stage career with a role in Legally Blonde, earning her a prestigious Olivier Award. She has since appeared in the drama The Drowning and regularly features as a guest on ITV's Loose Women.

Lyndyann Barrass - Kirsty 'Spuggie' Campbell
Lyndyann Barrass, who played Spuggie in the hit show Byker Grove, joined the cast at just 12 years old and became a main character. However, her time on the show was cut short when her character was written out, leaving to live with her brother.
After Byker Grove, Lyndyann struggled to find her footing in the acting world, telling The Sun: "I appeared in a few one-off dramas, but I'd been typecast as the redhead from 'that Geordie show' and struggled to find work. Aged 21, I joined a band called Angel, but we weren't successful and I left after a year. ".

Tragedy struck when Lyndyann was brutally attacked by three strangers who recognised her as Spuggie, leading her to leave the industry for good. She said: "Three years later, I was beaten unconscious in the street by three strangers who recognised me as Spuggy."
Lyndyann's life took a different turn after her acting days. She married her childhood sweetheart Allan Power and raised two children, Joe (now 23) and Scarlette (18).
After her divorce, Lyndyann worked at a bank call centre before launching her own cleaning business, Dusty Springclean. Despite facing challenges during the pandemic, she persevered and continued to run her business.

Donna Air - Charlie Charlton
Donna Air started her acting journey at merely 10 years old, taking on the role of aspiring journalist Charlie Charlton in Byker Grove for three years and four series. Despite a promising music career with Crush and a global tour following her stint on the show, she couldn't ignite a significant presence in the charts.
Post-Byker, Donna transitioned to presenting, landing roles with MTV and later as the lead presenter on Channel 4's The Big Breakfast. Nowadays, she might be more recognisable for her parts in BBC's The Split or through reality TV stints on Dancing on Ice, Splash! and Celebrity MasterChef.

Dale Meeks - Greg
As Greg in Byker Grove, Dale Meeks was the head of the rival gang Denton Burn for five seasons but became more widely recognised for his role as Simon Meredith in Emmerdale from 2003 to 2006. Dale Meeks' later career saw him starring in the ITV drama The Hunt For Raoul Moat and making guest appearances in Casualty, Inspector George Gently, and The Dumping Ground, a Tracey Beaker spin-off.
Tragically, in April 2023, Dale passed away at age 48 due to heart failure. Ant and Dec paid tribute to their former colleague on social media, saying: "We are so incredibly sorry to hear the very sad news of Dale's passing.
"He was the loveliest of guys, even though he was a Denton 'Burner', the arch nemesis of the Byker 'Grovers'! A sad loss at such a young age. RIP Dale. Sleep well, bonny lad."

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Coronation Street bosses urged to wake up over bad stories
Coronation Street bosses urged to wake up over bad stories

South Wales Argus

timean hour ago

  • South Wales Argus

Coronation Street bosses urged to wake up over bad stories

The programme has been slammed by viewers for its over-reliance on serious crime stories and the under-utilisation of established characters, something that many believe was the reason for its poor showing at the British Soap Awards. Corrie, which first aired all the way back in 1960, was outshone by rival soap operas like EastEnders last week, leading to concern from some ITV viewers. How many awards did Coronation Street get at the 2025 British Soap Awards? The only title won by Coronation Street at the British Soap Awards last week was claimed by David Neilson (Roy Cropper) for the Outstanding Achievement category. According to the Radio Times, the rest were won by Hollyoaks, Emmerdale and EastEnders. Coronation Street bosses told to 'wake up' as show 'worst' it has been in years Taking to the Coronation Street Reddit, one fan simply demanded that the showrunners "wake up" and added that it "absolutely deserved to get no awards" last week. They wrote: "The soap awards should be a massive wake-up call. Corrie absolutely deserved to get no awards, sorry to say, not compared to EastEnders. "The show has been a constant crime saga with pointless loopholed stories carried by meaningless characters. I remember corrie in the 2017/18 days when they did Aidan's suicide, Bethany's grooming plot, David's rape. "Going even further back, I remember Kirsty and Tyrone's domestic abuse storyline, which was heavily lauded. Even the racism with Max/Lauren and Alia alongside Geoff's abuse of Yasmin was heartbreaking to see. "Yes, they were miserable and dark stories, but they were relevant stories and had us hooked, and we cared so much about what these characters were going through." They added: "It's ridiculous how established characters are being sidelined for newer ones who haven't even built a rapport with audiences. "Work with some charities and do further research on issue-based stories that can be explored instead of being lazy and recycling constant cheating and crime storylines with the same predictable characters. "I get the newer actors are probs cheaper to use and easier to fit in anywhere to make up a storyline but overusing them creates resentment towards them. "Use them sensibly and start giving the older cast members more meaty storylines." Recommended Reading: Finishing the complaint, the ITV viewer said: "Listen to your audiences for once, otherwise these pointless stories that always revolve around cheating and crime are further going to decrease your popularity." Other fans of the show agreed with one user writing: "Not going to lie. I do still enjoy Corrie. But there needs to be more 'kitchen sink'/Rovers scenes. The occasional trauma-based storyline better executed. It's like they pick and choose which they want to do well." Another added: "Coronation Street has been the worst I have ever known it in the past 12 months."

EastEnders star to quit BBC soap after four years 'to look for other opportunities'
EastEnders star to quit BBC soap after four years 'to look for other opportunities'

Daily Record

timean hour ago

  • Daily Record

EastEnders star to quit BBC soap after four years 'to look for other opportunities'

Bobby Brazier who plays Freddie Slater in EastEnders is set to leave the iconic BBC soap in by the end of the year. Bobby Brazier is set to leave Albert Square as his time on EastEnders is over after a four-year stint. The actor and model, known for his role as Freddie Slater, has gained a lot of attraction and offers following his time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023 where he finished runner-up. The 22-year-old's exit from Walford is scheduled for later this year, the Mirror reports. As an EastEnders spokesperson confirmed: "We can confirm that Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.' ‌ A source close to the show, told The Sun: "Bosses recently met with Bobby to discuss a potential storyline, but Bobby felt this was the right moment to explore new ventures beyond the series. ‌ "The timing aligned perfectly for both parties. Although his final scenes are some time away, the character has enjoyed a strong run, and now is the time for Bobby to pursue fresh opportunities while EastEnders bids farewell to Freddie Slater." Bobby's departure from EastEnders comes amid a wave of bold casting moves by new executive producer Ben Wadey, who's reviving the drama by bringing back fan favourites including Michelle Ryan (Zoe Slater), Jake Wood (Max Branning), and Max Bowden (Ben Mitchell). At the same time, Lacey Turner is taking a break from her iconic role as Stacey Slater. Since joining the soap as Freddie Slater back in 2022, Bobby has gone on to win the National Television Award for Rising Star as well as appearing on Curfew a Paramount+ drama while continuing to film for the BBC soap. Clearly enjoying his craft, Bobby recently revealed: 'I love my job. I love being on EastEnders and I love modelling. But I'll probably take a break at some point. Just travel, get inspired, meet new people." ‌ Looking back on his journey, the once-reserved 22 year old admitted that fame hasn't always felt natural - particularly during his time on Strictly Come Dancing, when he initially "wanted to get voted off." Bobby connects his unease in the spotlight back to the loss of his mother, Jade Goody, who passed away when he was only five years old. "I don't want to be famous. Maybe I did when I was younger. Now I just want to act," he candidly shared. ‌ His EastEnders storyline saw Freddie mistakenly believe Billy Mitchell was his father, leading to an emotional and intense confrontation - an early sign that Bobby had the ability to "blow us away" with his raw and honest performances. He later took on a deeply personal journey exploring ADHD representation. One standout scene - where Freddie confronted a former teacher and revisited his past school trauma. Fans praised the depth of his emotional portrayal, capturing the character's grief and anger in a way that resonated both on and off screen. ‌ In a powerful 2023 storyline, Freddie defended Stacey Slater from a violent assault attempt by Theo Hawthorne. In the gripping performance that left viewers in tears and earned widespread praise, he attacked Theo with an iron. More recently, Freddie uncovered the harrowing truth that his biological father is Graham Foster - his mother's attacker. The storyline delved into Freddie's emotional turmoil and determination as he seeks out Graham at a car dealership. In the heart-wrenching scenes that followed, Freddie made the decision to firmly cut ties with Graham leaving viewers deeply moved by the emotional moment.

'We were Strictly stars - the show is past its best but we know how to save it'
'We were Strictly stars - the show is past its best but we know how to save it'

Daily Mirror

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

'We were Strictly stars - the show is past its best but we know how to save it'

EXCLUSIVE: Former Strictly professional dancers Brendan Cole, Vincent Simone and Pasha Kovalev give their honest opinion to the Mirror about how BBC bosses can save Strictly Come Dancing at a time of crisis Strictly Come Dancing has long been the diamond in the BBC 's crown ever since it waltzed onto our screens back in 2004. But over the last few years, the beloved show has become more of a thorn in the corporation's side after having to deal with an endless stream of scandals. Most recently, Jamie Borthwick - who was partnered with new pro Michelle Tsiakkas last year - was suspended from his 19-year role on EastEnders for using a derogatory term about disabled people. The 30-year-old actor has since apologised, but the incident occurred while he was filming Strictly and used the slur to describe locals in Blackpool. ‌ It came just months after radio presenter Wynne Evans was axed from the Strictly tour, and subsequently let go from the BBC entirely, after he was caught on camera making a 'spit roast' remark. At the time, he apologised - though has since claimed he was 'horrified' at the way the statement was issued by the BBC. ‌ Yet questions about the future of Strictly were already drawn last year following the bullying probe launched into the behaviour of professional dancers. What followed was a tightening of rules in training sessions and the BBC show having the fewest female celebrities in its 20-year history. So after everything that's happened and the changes it has undergone, can the show still be saved? Beloved pro dancer Vincent Simone - who starred on the BBC show from 2006 until 2012 - tells the Mirror that he would like to see the show stripped back to its original format. 'Back in our day with Bruce [Forsyth], it was a very traditional Ballroom and Latin American show,' Vincent Simone explains. 'Now it has developed so much and they've introduced so many different styles that me, myself, would be struggling to do like contemporary and all that stuff. 'It didn't used to have any special effects - it was literally someone handing me over a CD with the music and saying good luck, off you go for next week. It's a much bigger team now with choreographers, helpers and cameras and so they juice it up a lot more. Sometimes I always feel like it's nice to strip it back to just two people dancing with the music. Like, really simple. I like that side of it.' ‌ Brendan Cole, Strictly's legendary 'bad boy' pro from 2004 until 2017, admits that he feels the show has lost a little bit of its magic. However, unlike Vincent, doesn't feel that the show can go back to basics. 'With these big shows, the longer they run, the more bells and whistles,' he says. 'Because every year a new producer steps in, they want to make the show their own. When [Strictly] first started there was a magic about it but if you watch that show now, it would probably seem very, very basic and very average compared to what you watch now. ‌ 'But of its day, it had a magic and it had a beauty and it was very innocent. It's probably lost a little bit of that, but I don't think you could return to that format. I think shows have to improve and have to compete with other shows, otherwise they get left behind. 'Strictly had an amazing 20 something years on television. I don't think you can compare the start to finish, but what you can do is admire the way the show has been produced over the years, and the fact that it still has a good family sort of value.' ‌ He adds: 'So yes, it's had a couple of it may have had a couple of rocky years, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. It's just time.' While Pasha Kovalev, who fell in love with his now-wife Rachel Riley while working on the show from 2011 until 2018, says that he misses the original VTs which showed the relationships between the pro and celebrity develop in the training room as opposed to the skits that are filmed now. 'You don't really speak much on the show,' he says. 'You stand next to your celebrity and listen to what the judges say. Those VTs before could show the actual friendship and relationship that develops between the two people on the dance floor in the dance room and you can get your personality across. That's why everyone loves Vincent now.' ‌ Vincent interjects cheekily: 'We had personality back in the day!' The charismatic trio, who are about to join fellow former pros James Jordan and Ian Waite on their The Return of the Legends tour across the country, still watch the show despite no longer being a part of it and are grateful for the opportunities it gave them. ‌ However, Vincent admits that there was a 'hole' in his life when he left the show. 'I was content when I left but then there is almost like a clock inside your system so that when it comes to September, you know that the show is about to start. So I felt a bit lost, even though I went on to do another show [I'm A Celebrity]. 'But still, every year since then, when it comes to the autumn, there is that sort of hollow feeling about missing out on the show.' Yet, he says that he wouldn't ever return as a pro on the show. 'When I was asked to go back and choreograph some of the Argentine Tangos and I had to spend time with the celebrity and pro, that's when I realised no way could I do this again. They are long days and hours in the training room - it's not easy, what they do. ‌ 'I left at the right time, because the thought of spending every day for eight hours in the studio and chatting to the guy, it's, it's draining. You need to be young and free of children or wives and so on. So in a way, that helped me move on from the show.' While Pasha admits he found it relatively easy to leave the show when he did. 'I only did it for eight years, not 15 like Brendan,' he says. 'So at that point, I knew that I wanted to do something else. I was ready to move on. It was my decision and I never looked back.I had an amazing time and I met so many wonderful people and who I'm still friends with, and that was enough.' ‌ Brendan admits that he never thought of a life after Strictly as it had consumed his whole life for so long, so the prospect of leaving had been scary. In 2018, Brendan admitted that he was 'in shock' and 'very disappointed' after learning BBC bosses had axed him from the show. The 49-year-old, who moved to Mallorca with his wife Zoe Hobbs and their two children after Covid, says: 'I must have been asked 1000 times during my time on Strictly, 'What are you going to do after? What's next?' And I never had an answer for that. I was always like, 'I actually have no idea. I don't know what will fill that five, six month gap of the year.'It consumes you because it doesn't just start when you start the show, it starts months before that with thinking about music, ideas, etc. ‌ 'I was a little bit sad when it was over because it was such a bit part of my life, but that sadness ended the day I sort of said it out loud and I went, 'Okay, I'm no longer a Strictly dancer.' It was hard to say at first initially. But then, as soon I said it, it was like a weight had lifted and I was like, 'Right, what the hell is next? Let's go!' 'And I actually had the most incredible year doing the most incredible TV shows and theatre productions. My world changed completely, and it changed for the better. But it's all thanks to being on Strictly for so many years. Well, not all thanks, but I was very proud of my time on the show. It was a phenomenal 15 series - even the bad ones, the horrible ones I hated, they're still part of a journey that makes you who you are now.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store