The iconic children's television programme Record Breakers is poised to make a comeback after a 20-year hiatus, with a revamped format and a new title. Initially broadcast on the BBC from December 1972 to December 2001, the show had a remarkable run.

During its original tenure, the show was hosted by an array of TV personalities, including Olympic legend Linford Christie, who presented the programme from 1998 to 2000. The new iteration will offer children the opportunity to participate in fresh challenges, with the ultimate goal of earning a spot in the record books.

The revamped series, tentatively titled World Record Breakers: The Rivals, hints at a more competitive format. Dan Baldwin, the producer behind the recent revival of Gladiators on the BBC and husband of Holly Willoughby, is spearheading the project through Hungry Bear Media.

A source revealed to 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," reports .

The insider further revealed that the intention is for the programme to fill a Saturday night primetime slot, although a channel and host have yet to be confirmed. Hungry Bear Media has been approached by The Mirror for comment.

Record Breakers is a spin-off from Blue Peter, which it was revealed earlier this week will no longer be broadcast live on TV. It was initially hosted by actor and presenter Roy Castle alongside twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, founders of the Guinness World Records. The programme showcased individuals striving to break world records and included interviews with British and international record holders.

Roy himself managed to secure nine records during his hosting tenure, which spanned from 1972 until 1993. Each episode would culminate in a live studio audience witnessing a record attempt.

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 series met its end under the stewardship of Fearne Cotton, who was the presenter in 2001 before the BBC decided to discontinue the series.

Norris and Ross McWhirter, the founders of Guinness World Records, were prominent figures in the early seasons of the show. They would field questions about records from the live audience, showcasing their extensive knowledge with on-the-spot answers.

In a shocking turn of events, Ross McWhirter was assassinated in 1975 at the age of 50 by IRA militants who shot him at point-blank range.

The perpetrators, Harry Duggan and Hugh Doherty, were members of the Active Service Unit, an organisation for which Ross had offered a reward for the capture of its members. Ross was shot in the head and chest at close range and succumbed to his injuries shortly after in hospital.

His brother, Norris, continued to appear on Record Breakers until 1985, featuring in the 'Norris on the Spot' segment of the show.