From writer Bolu Babalola

Channel 4 is piloting a new comedy about four young black British friends in early adulthood.

Big Age has been written by Bolu Babalola, pictured, author of the Love In Colour anthology of folk romance tales, and will air on the broadcaster's Black to Front day, Friday September 10, showcasing black talent.

 Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo plays protagonist Ṣadé who has just turned 25, and is unashamedly ambitious, fierce but with moments of spiralling insecurity. Dela is Ṣade’s best friend, played by Racheal Ofori, an artist who prefers to ‘go where her soul flows’ and is a free-spirited, sexually liberated, social justice warrior.

 Michael Workeye  plays Zeke, Ṣadé’s unrequited love – a slick-talker and player, full of easy charm and charisma, while  Tayo (CJ Beckford), is the dry humoured grounding force of the group who seemingly has his life on track.

Babalola said: ‘It's been a great joy to develop these characters and this world over the years, and I am so thrilled that a place that has housed so many of my favourite shows has chosen to help me share it.’

Fiona McDermott, head of comedy at Channel 4 praised  her ‘funny, contemporary, and surprising characters that have a deliciously moreish, comic energy.

And David Simpson, head of comedy for programme-makers Tiger Aspect said: ‘Bolu’s writing is funny, nuanced and wonderfully well observed and she has created a set of characters and a friendship at the heart of this that audiences are going to adore.

Other shows on Black to Front include a one-off special of The Big Breakfast fronted by  Mo Gilligan and AJ Odudu and  Sir Trevor McDonald guest-hosting Countdown.  Additionally, some  flagship shows will be fronted by black talent and featuring black contributors, including Celebrity Gogglebox and Channel 4 News. Hollyoaks will be an hour-long special entirely written, directed and performed by its Black talent.

Published: 23 Jul 2021