Legendary BBC children's show set to return to our screen after two decades (2025)

The revamped show is set to come with a new name and a full-scale makeover.

After a 20-year hiatus, one iconic children's TV show is set to make a comeback with a sparkly new title and a revamped format for its new and returning viewers.

BBC's Record Breakers was first broadcast in December 1972 and had a remarkable run until December 2001. The show was hosted by an array of TV personalities, with Olympic legend Linford Christie taking the helm between 1998 and 2000.

In the rebooted version of the legendary show, children will be offered the opportunity to take part in new challenges with the hope of earning a coveted spot in the record books, reports the Express

The show has been tentatively named World Record Breakers: The Rivals, leaving lovers of the previous iteration to believe that there may be a more competitive format in the upcoming series.

Dan Baldwin, who is the producer of the recent Gladiator revival on BBC and Holly Willoughby's husband, is spearheading this new project through Hungry Bear Media.

A source told The Sun: "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."

Although a channel and host has yet to be confirmed, an insider has hinted that the intention of the much-loved programme is to fill a Saturday night primetime slot.

Record Breaker was originally a spin-off from Blue Peter - which will no longer be broadcasted live on TV - and was initially hosted by actor and presenter Roy Castle. He was joined by twins Norris and Ross McWhirter who are the founders of the Guinness World Records.

The series showcased many individuals trying to break world records in front of a live studio audience, as well as interviews with record holders from across the globe. Roy managed to break nine records over his time on the show, which spanned from 1972 to 1993.

Over the years, the show saw a variety of hosts including Cheryl Baker (1987-1997), Kriss Akabusi (1993-1997), Kate Gerbeau (1998), Linford Christie (1998-2000), and Sally Gray (1999-2000).

The show came to an end in 2001 while Fearne Cotton was the presenter of the programme. With the iconic show being a TV highlight two decades ago, it is hoped that the revamped show will receive the same reception when it takes to our screens once again.

While the presenters were important to the show, Norris and Ross McWhirter were prominent figures in the early seasons. They would amaze viewers and audience members by showcasing their extensive record breaking knowledge with on-the-spot answers to a variety of questions.

However, in an upsetting turn of events, Ross McWhirter was assassinated in 1975 by IRA militants. The 50-year-old was shot at a point-blank range in the head and chest, which he shortly died from in hospital.

Norris continued to appear on Record Breakers until 1985 through a feature in the show called "Norris on the Spot".