Boarders gets a second term at the BBC

Public school satire to return

BBC Three comedy Boarders is to return for a second series, the broadcaster has announced.

Created by Daniel Lawrence Taylor, the show follows five talented black inner-city teens transported to the alien world of a British boarding school after gaining scholarships.

The core cast of Josh Tedeku, Jodie Campbell, Sekou Diaby, Myles Kamwendo and Aruna Jalloh will all reprise their roles as the pupils for the second series, alongside Lawrence Taylor as their mentor Gus.

He said: ‘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!’

Series two comprises six 45-minute episodes and involves a new era for St Gilbert’s, with headmaster Bernard (Derek Riddell) - who had brought the scholarship students into the school - suspended and acting headmistress Carol Watlington-Geese (Niky Wardley) at the helm - and she wants them gone.

Madeleine Sinclair, executive producer for programme-makers Studio Lambert 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, the director of BBC drama added: ‘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.’

The first series of Boarders aired in February, earning a four-star review in the Guardian and a positive write-up in US trade website Variety, which called it ‘witty and sharp’. It is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Boarders production credits

Made by: Studio Lambert,
Created by: Daniel Lawrence Taylor:
Written by: Daniel Lawrence Taylor: with Yemi Oyefuwa, Jeffrey Aidoo and Racheal Ofori writing additional episodes.
Directed by: Joelle Mae David and Sarmad Masud
Producer: Ali MacPhail
Line producer: Carleen Beadle-Larcombe
Musical director: Mykaell Riley
Executive producers: Daniel Lawrence Taylor, Madeleine Sinclair and Susan Hogg for Studio Lambert, and Nawfal Faizullah and Katherine Bond for the BBC

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Published: 4 Jun 2024