PHOENIX RISE: FLEUR EAST JOINS CAST OF BBC SCHOOL DRAMA

As filming on the third and fourth series of Phoenix Rise is under way in the West Midlands, Fleur East has been cast in the role of Miss Meesha, an inspirational new music teacher.

Fleur East says: "I’m thrilled to be a part of Phoenix Rise. There is so much raw talent and I’ve been soaking up the experience like a sponge! The cast and crew are amazing to work with and the scripts are real, gritty, funny and heart-warming. I can’t wait for everyone to be introduced to my character Miss Meesha - she’s a ball of energy!"

Created by Perrie Balthazar and Matt Evans, Phoenix Rise follows a group of young outsiders who have been excluded from school as they return to mainstream education, form unlikely friendships and learn to navigate school life.

The critically-acclaimed drama centres on six students who meet regularly in a disused boiler room at their school, an abandoned space which becomes their sanctuary.

The first series of Phoenix Rise is available on BBC iPlayer with a second series landing today on BBC Three and iPlayer. Series three and four, starring Fleur East as Miss Meesha, are due to air next year.

Phoenix Rise is made by BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions and the Creative Director is Tali Walters.