Phoenix Rise | Series 2 Preview (BBC)

After a successful first series on BBC iPlayer and ahead of the release of series two, critically acclaimed series Phoenix Rise is back filming 20 new episodes in the West Midlands for a third and fourth series.

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.

Series two follows the students at the start of a new term and marks a fresh start for siblings Billy and Rihanna. There are more high jinks from the group and some of them strengthen their bonds whilst there’s tension between others as they lock horns.

Series two also sees a new character join the group, Summer’s friend Daisy (Eloise Pennycott), a spiky, confrontational newcomer who is not afraid to speak out, but like many of the characters, has her own vulnerabilities.

The coming-of-age drama centres on six students who meet regularly in a disused boiler room at their school, an abandoned space which becomes their sanctuary. The BBC recently announced the commission of a third and fourth series.

The majority of the cast from series one and two are returning to the show, including ‘the boiler room six’. Joining them are a group of new young characters who become a key part of compelling new stories.

Sarah Muller, Senior Head of BBC Children’s Commissioning 7+ says: "Phoenix Rise is strongly rooted in the West Midlands and so we’re delighted to see the team return to their Coventry production base. It’s a drama which is not afraid to tackle some of the difficult issues that teens face today whilst also capturing the friendships and humour of teen life."

Phoenix Rise returns Monday 25th September on BBC iPlayer.