Latest news with #BykerGrove
Metro
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
X Factor star Ray Quinn dashes hopes revealing why Brookside shouldn't return
Former Brookside star Ray Quinn has said the groundbreaking Channel 4 soap opera shouldn't return. The actor and singer, 36, who became a household name when he was runner-up in the third series of ITV talent show The X Factor was a child star on the serial drama during its latter years. Between 2000 and the last ever episode in 2003, Ray was better known as Brookie's Anthony Murray, the son of Marty (Neil Caple), who moved into the fictional cul de sac when Lindsey Corkhill (Claire Sweeney) sold up. Storylines included being bullied by school mate Imelda Clough (Bellie Clements) – and later attacking her with an iron bar. The situation escalated when Anthony chased Imelda into some woodland and then accidentally drowned her when she hit her head on a rock. After being held hostage by a gunman, he confessed everything. 'Brookside set me up for so much, so I can never look back with anything but amazing memories,' Ray told Smooth Pins. 'I loved the show, and it was so iconic and a huge piece of history for Liverpool.' Despite that, he doesn't think the show's magic could be recaptured. Fans have long hoped for a revival, and were thrilled when Scottish streamer STV Player picked up the series in its entirety in 2023. The platform also hosts soap operas Take The High Road and Shortland Street, as well as recently adding children's drama Byker Grove. 'I worry whether it would be as good, or whether it could dilute the legacy,' Ray continued. 'Maybe it's best to just enjoy it for what it was.' This is a sentiment shared by co-star Claire Sweeney, who told Metro last year: 'I don't know if it was a moment in time.' ''I'm proud to be part of it, and proud now to be part of Corrie.' Ray continued acting following Brookside's axing, appearing in BBC police drama Merseybeat and more recently as terrorist Jonny Baxter in Hollyoaks. He lost out on winning The X Factor to Leona Lewis, but continued to release music, appear on Dancing On Ice and form a career in musical theatre in the years that followed. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! During his time on the now defunct singing competition, he formed a close bond with judge Sharon Osbourne – and has reflected on the recent death of her husband Ozzy, who's funeral will take place in Birmingham today. 'Sharon was a big part of my life, even after the show,' he said. More Trending 'When I flew out to LA to record my album, she reached out and invited me to her house for dinner. I went to their Beverly Hills home that was featured on their reality show The Osbournes, so that was pretty surreal. 'Ozzy was there too, and he was such an amazing guy. My heart goes out to the whole family after his passing. I remember we sat down and had lamb to eat and lots of cups of tea.' Ray continued: 'The whole family was amazing, and Ozzy was so kind. He asked me about my music and told me to keep going and enjoy every minute. 'It was like sitting with one of my mates' dads. He showed me all of his paintings that he liked to do too. He had a little art studio by the pool, and there were loads on the walls. He was a great artist and a wonderful man.' View More » MORE: Coronation Street icon opens up on 'imposter syndrome' after 34 years on TV MORE: Olly Murs goes missing from radio show after wild night of partying MORE: Coronation Street casts Brookside legend in new role
Buzz Feed
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
'Nostalgic' UK TV Classic Is Set To Return – And Fans Are Losing Their Everloving Minds
First, came the news that Byker Grove is set to appear on streaming for the very first time (it'll be on STV Player and ITVX by the end of this year – the first five seasons are already available to watch on ITVX). Well, in what seems to be a mega week for '90s and '00s UK babies, now we have more good news from the Beeb ― the broadcaster recently shared on Instagram that nostalgic hit Balamory is 'returning to CBeebies next year.' Originally made from 2002-2005 (a run so short, fans previously expressed shock at the hit's outsized impact), the BBC iPlayer page added: 'Expect the classic theme song, colourful houses, and some familiar faces!' in their caption. Who'll be in the new Balamory cast? On their site, the BBC said that Balamory will 'blend familiar faces with a host of new characters.' Returning to their roles will be Julie Wilson Nimmo (Miss Hoolie), Andrew Agnew (PC Plum), Kim Tserkezie (Penny Pocket) and Juliet Cadzow (Edie McCredie). New faces will include 'scientist and inventor Ava Potts (played by Danielle Jam), the Harbour Master (William Andrews) and local vet Dr Ollie (Carl Spencer) who lives with his two children.' Kate Morton, Head of Commissioning for zero-to-six-year-olds at BBC Children's and Education, said: 'It's wonderful to see some of the original cast returning alongside new faces, creating a perfect mix of nostalgia and discovery for families to enjoy together. 'This vibrant new series will delight both children and the grown-ups who remember it fondly' (I'm in the latter camp). How many new episodes will the new Balamory have? It's been commissioned for two new series, each containing ten 14-minute-long episodes. Will the new Balamory have the original theme tune? Yes (happy days). The BBC shared on Instagram, 'Expect the classic theme song.' When will the new Balamory come out? We don't have an exact date – the BBC simply says, 'Families can look forward to exploring the world of Balamory once again from 2026.' What has the reaction been to the new Balamory? Fans like me are delighted. 'This is sooo nostalgic for kids (now adults) and parents!' an Instagram user wrote. 'YESSSSS I'M 25 AND I'M SAT,' another shared.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Nostalgic' UK TV Classic Is Set To Return – And Fans Are Losing Their Everloving Minds
First, came the news that Byker Grove is set to appear on streaming for the very first time (it'll be on STV Player and ITVX by the end of this year – the first five seasons are already available to watch on ITVX). Well, in what seems to be a mega week for '90s and '00s UK babies, now we have more good news from the Beeb ― the broadcaster recently shared on Instagram that nostalgic hit Balamory is 'returning to CBeebies next year.' Originally made from 2002-2005 (a run so short, fans previously expressed shock at the hit's outsized impact), the BBC iPlayer page added: 'Expect the classic theme song, colourful houses, and some familiar faces!' in their caption. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CBeebies Parenting (@cbeebieshq) Who'll be in the new Balamory cast? On their site, the BBC said that Balamory will 'blend familiar faces with a host of new characters.' Returning to their roles will be Julie Wilson Nimmo (Miss Hoolie), Andrew Agnew (PC Plum), Kim Tserkezie (Penny Pocket) and Juliet Cadzow (Edie McCredie). New faces will include 'scientist and inventor Ava Potts (played by Danielle Jam), the Harbour Master (William Andrews) and local vet Dr Ollie (Carl Spencer) who lives with his two children.' Kate Morton, Head of Commissioning for zero-to-six-year-olds at BBC Children's and Education, said: 'It's wonderful to see some of the original cast returning alongside new faces, creating a perfect mix of nostalgia and discovery for families to enjoy together. 'This vibrant new series will delight both children and the grown-ups who remember it fondly' (I'm in the latter camp). How many new episodes will the new Balamory have? It's been commissioned for two new series, each containing ten 14-minute-long episodes. When will the new Balamory come out? We don't have an exact date – the BBC simply says, 'Families can look forward to exploring the world of Balamory once again from 2026.' What has the reaction been to the new Balamory? Fans like me are delighted. 'This is sooo nostalgic for kids (now adults) and parents!' an Instagram user wrote. 'YESSSSS I'M 25 AND I'M SAT,' another shared. Another called it the 'best news all year' (a reasonable reaction, if you ask us). Related... People Are Just Realising This Fact About Balamory's Original Run, And I'm Astonished Back By Popular Demand – Tom Hardy Has Recorded Even More CBeebies Bedtime Stories Joe Wicks And Hey Duggee Creators Team Up For 1 Very Important Reason
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Ant and Dec reveal surprise new careers as they become co-owners of business
Duo Ant and Dec have become shareholders in a pizza dough company as they branch out from their TV presenting duties As if Ant and Dec didn't have enough dough already... they have now become bakery bosses. The TV presenting duo have teamed up with small business owners Amy and Chris Cheadle who specialise in frozen bakery products. The pair are now shareholders in their company The Northern Dough Co. The money-spinning deal will even see the two of them 'create and develop new products' for the company, as well as publicise them. Ant and Dec approached The Northern Dough Co. because they wanted to support a small business from the North that was at an early stage in its journey. They are fronting a new advertising campaign for the Lancashire company called Taste Mates, where the pair cook a wide variety of dishes. To launch the new tie-up, Ant and Dec filmed a tongue-in-cheek video in their boxer shorts. Ant says: 'I love making pizzas at home with my family and was already using Northern Dough Co when we started conversations with Amy & Chris about working with them. Yoko Ono in startling new evidence over claims she broke up The Beatles 'As soon as we met it was clear we had the same values and together we have some great ideas on how we can expand the business, it's very exciting and we can't wait to get started in our role as co-owners!' Dec adds: 'We love the Northern Dough Co ethos of celebrating the joy of eating at home and bringing people together. Whether it's a pizza party with mates or a Saturday night in front of the telly with your granny, everyone can get stuck in and make delicious pizzas. We are excited to celebrate all things dough through our partnership and social content.' Northern Dough Co. founders, Amy and Chris Cheadle said: 'It's not every day Ant & Dec's team drop you a line to ask if you'd be interested in exploring working together, but from the very first meeting it was clear just how well their personal values aligned with ours, and how easy it would be to partner and grow our business together.' Adding: 'As viewers, we've been entertained by Ant & Dec's TV shows from Byker Grove as teens, to watching Takeaway and I'm a Celeb with our own children, and it's that ethos of getting everyone together to enjoy a relaxing, feel-good experience that's at the heart of The Northern Dough Co. Gathering to eat food is everyone's favourite pastime, but cooking together to create an informal restaurant experience at home, makes it really special. We couldn't be more excited that Ant & Dec have joined us to bring the experience to even more people's homes, and we have really exciting plans for the coming months and years ahead.'
Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Iconic 90s series finally available to stream in Scotland as fans praise ‘nostalgic' bliss
BACK ON THE BOX Iconic 90s series finally available to stream in Scotland as fans praise 'nostalgic' bliss AN ICONIC 1990s TV show is now available to stream for Scots fans. Telly lovers will be able to get the legendary British drama which became a must-watch for the nations teens. 4 Byker Grove was an iconic must-watch for teens Credit: STV/ITV 4 It launched the careers of Ant and Dec Credit: Alamy 4 It will be back on screens Credit: Rex Features Byker Grove followed the lives of youngsters living in Newcastle. The now-legendary show aired in the nineties and early noughties. It launched the careers of TV legends Ant and Dec, who's characters PJ and Duncan became household favourites. So much so they were catapulted into more fame with their music career off the back of the show, including much-loved tune 'Let's Get Ready To Rhumble'. The show was considered a trailblazer for tackling issues like drug addiction, child abuse, homophobia and abortion. But those who grew up with The Grove will be able to enjoy it again. Byker Grove will soon be added to the STV Player after telly bosses cut a deal with Ant and Dec's production company Mitre Studios. Mitre own the rights to Byker Grove and have been working with the TV channels ITV and STV to relaunch the series. The launch date currently isn't known with TV chiefs remaining tight-lipped. All they have said is it will be back on screens later this year. Watch as Ant and Dec bring back their classic 90s Byker Grove roles - live on I'm A Celeb 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!' Craig Morris, Managing Editor, ITV Channels & ITVX, said: 'We are so excited to bring this iconic coming-of-age series to ITVX, marking the first TV appearances of two ITV stalwarts. "Relive all the great moments with us later this year.' Ed Sleeman, MD at Mitre Studios added: 'We're delighted to be teaming up with ITVX and 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.'
