Iconic BBC children’s TV show with tragic past is being rebooted after 20 years off air

CHILDREN’S TV show Record Breakers is being rebooted after 24 years off air.

It is set to be revived with the working title World Record Breakers: The Rivals.

Holly Willoughby’s husband Dan Baldwin is behind the project after his firm, Hungry Bear, had huge success rebooting Gladiators for the BBC.

A TV source said: “Record Breakers was an incredibly successful format, running for three decades and garnering millions of fans of different generations.

“It worked so well because it could feature record attempts ranging from feats of bravery and impressive sportsmanship through to the downright mindboggling.

“And the spirit of the show remains strong.

“Every day the TikTok generation are doing pranks and stunts online so it feels like a no-brainer.

“It is also incredibly family-friendly so would be ideal for that primetime Saturday spot.

“It’s very early days, with the show in development, so no channel is yet officially attached nor any celebrities in the frame as host.”;

Under legendary host Roy Castle, the original Record Breakers ran from 1972 until 2001 on BBC1.

It showed people trying to break British and world records and featured interviews with champions.

Castle presented with Guinness World Records founders and twin brothers Norris and Ross McWhirter.

He recorded the show’s closing theme Dedication and broke nine world records himself.

Castle, an accomplished trumpeter, worked on the show until 1993.

He died of lung cancer in September 1994.

He believed he got the disease from passive smoking during his years playing the trumpet in jazz clubs.

There was tragedy for the McWhirters, too, with Ross being murdered by a Provisional IRA gunman in 1975.

Bucks Fizz singer Cheryl Baker joined the show alongside Castle from 1987 until 1997, with Kriss Akabusi replacing Castle from 1993 to 1997.

Olympian Linford Christie joined the show in 1998.

He was joined by Sally Gray and Jeremy Edwards in 1999.

Fearne Cotton took over in 2001 but it was cancelled that year because of falling viewing figures.