Hit comedy-drama Boarders, created and written by BAFTA-nominated Daniel Lawrence Taylor, is set to return for another term. The six-part second series will be produced by Studio Lambert in association with All3Media International for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.
Josh Tedeku (Jaheim), Jodie Campbell (Leah), Sekou Diaby (Toby), Myles Kamwendo (Omar) and Aruna Jalloh (Femi) will all reprise their roles for the second series, alongside writer and creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor who returns as their mentor Gus.
Boarders follows five talented black inner-city teens transported to an alien world – a British boarding school – after gaining scholarships to the prestigious St. Gilbert’s. They set out to make the most out of the opportunity, despite their places only being offered as a poorly-disguised PR exercise to improve the reputation of the school.
Series two sees a new era for St Gilbert’s, with headmaster Bernard - who had brought the scholarship students into the school - suspended following a school rebellion. Now acting headmistress Carol Watlington-Geese (who also happens to be the mother of Jaheim’s nemesis, Rupert) is at the helm - and she wants them gone.
Series one saw these five outsiders begin to thrive. Series two asks how much they’re willing to sacrifice just to survive.
Further returning cast include Harry Gilby (Rupert), Tallulah Greive (Beatrix), Rosie Graham (Florence), Assa Kanouté (Abby), and Niky Wardley (Carol Watlington-Geese) and Derek Riddell (Headmaster Bernard) with more to be announced in due course.
Writer, Creator and Executive Producer, Daniel Lawrence Taylor, says: “The response to the first series has been incredibly inspiring, and I'm thrilled to announce the arrival of our second! What I've cherished most about creating this series is showcasing Black experiences on screen and seeing how it resonates with everyone. While race can sometimes divide us, the emotions of feeling different, isolated, or trying to fit in are truly universal. I'm especially excited to collaborate with the cast again; they are all budding superstars, and I'm overjoyed to see them bring my words to life once more! I can't wait for you to see it!”
Creative Director and Executive Producer for Studio Lambert, Madeleine Sinclair, says: “We’re so excited to be returning to the world of Boarders for the BBC. Series one saw our five leads navigating the complicated world of St Gilbert’s in their own unique ways. Series two will follow their journeys across a new term of challenges as they strive to succeed. Daniel’s fantastic scripts continue to offer an irresistible blend of comedy and drama and our gift of a cast are back to make us laugh, cry and thoroughly entertain.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama says: “With brilliant scripts from Daniel and star-making performances from its young cast, Boarders has received a fantastic response since arriving on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three earlier this year. We’re delighted to enrol for another term.”
Boarders (6x45)’ is created by Daniel Lawrence Taylor, who serves as lead writer with Yemi Oyefuwa, Jeffrey Aidoo and Racheal Ofori writing additional episodes. Boarders is produced by Studio Lambert, part of All3Media. It is directed by Joelle Mae David and Sarmad Masud with Ali MacPhail returning as the producer and Carleen Beadle-Larcombe as line producer. Mykaell Riley will also return as Musical Director. Executive producers are Daniel Lawrence Taylor, Madeleine Sinclair and Susan Hogg for Studio Lambert, and Nawfal Faizullah and Katherine Bond for the BBC.
The first series of Boarders is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer. All3Media International is the global partner for the series.
Picture: BBC / Studio Lambert Media Ltd / Jonathan Birch / Russell Kirby
