Boarders | Preview (BBC Three)

The six-part series follows the lives of five talented under privileged black students from inner-city London who win scholarships to St Gilbert’s, an elite boarding school.

Stepping out of the urban metropolis, our leads will experience the highs and lows of boarding school, learning about themselves, their identity and what life on the other side looks like – which they discover is nothing like life in zone three.

Led by a cast of young rising talent, Boarders will star Josh Tedeku (Supacell, A Town Called Malice), Jodie Campbell (Bulletproof, No Return), Myles Kamwendo (The School for Good and Evil) alongside Sekou Diaby and Aruna Jalloh, both making their screen debuts.

Boarders creator and writer Daniel Lawrence Taylor will also appear on screen to play Gus, a mentor figure to St Gilbert’s five newest students. Derek Riddell (Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack) will play headmaster Bernard, and Niky Wardley (Queen of Oz, The Catherine Tate Show) will play Carol Watlington-Geese, Chair of the Board.

They will be joined in the series by Harry Gilby (Tolkien), Tallulah Greive (Our Ladies, Cinderella), Rosie Graham (The School for Good and Evil, Sanditon), Georgina Sadler (The A List)and Assa Kanoute, making her screen debut.

Creator, lead writer, actor and executive producer Daniel Lawrence Taylor says: “It's really exciting to see Boarders finally come to life. I’ve been gifted with the most incredible cast and creative team who are injecting so much joy and energy into the show. I hope the audience loves it as much as we're loving making it.”

Susan Hogg, Studio Lambert says: “Daniel is a superb writer and actor. He has the courage and insight to tackle a tough premise through the lens of comedy. Blessed with a hugely talented cast, Boarders is a bold and original comedy drama, both heartfelt and hilarious. The series hits the sweet spot between laughter and tears that the audience will love.” 

Boarders begins Tuesday 20th February on BBC Three.