Coming-of-age comedy drama Boarders on BBC3 and BBCiPlayer sees five underprivileged, inner-London black kids step into a world they only thought possible in Harry Potter when they move to a posh boarding school.
As they are forced out of their comfort zone – London’s zone 3 – the students must navigate this new, alien world, forge friendships and discover who they really are. And, what’s more, they’re determined to do it their way, even if that means ruffling a few feathers.
Boarders is written by Timewasters’ creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor who says: “As the Black Lives Matter movement continues to grow momentum, and the world is becoming more aware of black struggles in white institutions, a show like Boarders has never been more relevant or ripe for comedy. Working with Studio Lambert and the BBC has been an absolute joy, and I’ve also bagged myself some of the most exciting black British voices to help me bring this show to the screen.” Here’s everything we know about the exciting new series so far…
Boarders release date
Boarders is a six-part series that lanched on BBCiPlayer on Tuesday, February 20 2024.
Episodes also run weekly from Tuesday, February 20 at 9pm on BBC3.
We're expecting Boraders to be shown on BBC1 a little while after but we'll confirm this when we hear. We'll also confirm any international air dates and channels.
Is there a trailer for Boarders?
Yes, the new trailer is here and it gives you an insight into just how brilliant this comedy is going to be...
Boarders plot
Boarders will follow five back students from inner-city London — Jaheim, Toby, Femi, Omar and Leah — who win scholarships to an elite boarding school, St Gilbert’s. This is an attempt to rehabilitate the image of one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious schools.
Stepping out of the urban metropolis is a huge culture shock and boarding school feels like another world to them. As they start to realise how the other half live, the kids must learn to be independent, cope with fierce rivalries and handle extreme pressure as well as making friends, relationships and a large sprinkling of enemies. However, these youngsters might be outsiders but they are determined to prove themselves, and shake things up along the way.
Boarders cast
Boarders will star Josh Tedeku (Supacell, A Town Called Malice) as Jaheim, Jodie Campbell (Bulletproof, No Return) as Leah, Myles Kamwendo (The School for Good and Evil) as Omar alongside Sekou Diaby and Aruna Jalloh, both making their screen debuts, who play Toby and Femi. 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.
Other cast in the series include 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. Additional cast include Harry Gilby (Tolkien), Tallulah Greive (Our Ladies, Cinderella), Rosie Graham (The School for Good and Evil, Sanditon), Georgina Sadler (The A List) and Assa Kanoutè and Archie Fisher, making their screen debuts.
Interview with Josh Tedeku who plays Jaheim
What can you tell us about Jaheim?
"Jaheim comes from London and he’s grown up around a rougher vibe, which you’ll see in the first scene. He’s a very prideful young man who can get violent at times because he doesn’t know any other way to deal with his pain, but he can also be a bit of a charmer when he wants to be.
"The other four in the group (Femi, Omar, Toby and Leah) are friends of his but his real friends are back home. Throughout the series you see his growth and evolution so by the end of the final episode he’s changed quite a bit compared to when we first met him as he’s had to adapt to the situation and the environment he is in."
What attracted you to the role?
"I went to a majority white school outside of London and it was a weird experience for me. I know some people have good experiences and others have bad experiences. I saw myself in Jaheim a little bit and thought it would be a fun character to play and a fun story to tell. The first script we got was really good and I think that’s what attracted all of us to the job."
Behind the scenes and more about Boarders
Boarders was commissioned by Ben Irving, Acting Director of Drama, and Fiona Campbell, Controller of BBC Three. It's Executive Produced by Daniel Lawrence Taylor, Susan Hogg and Maddie Sinclair for Studio Lambert, and Ayela Butt and Gaynor Holmes for the BBC. The series is script edited by Missy Howard.
Joining Daniel Lawrence Taylor in the Boarders writers room are Emma Dennis-Edwards, Yemi Oyefuwa and Ryan Calais Cameron.
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.”
Fiona Campbell, Controller of Youth Audience, BBC iPlayer and BBC Three says: “We’re so pleased to welcome such a talented cast of rising and established UK talent to Daniel Lawrence Taylor’s Boarders. The series takes us on a journey through the eyes of five young adults in a way that’s refreshing, informative, and hilariously funny – we can’t wait for BBC Three viewers to join in on the fun.”
Maartje Horchner, EVP Content at All3Media International says: “We are very pleased to be a partner in this wonderful, hilarious project that gives a voice to some brilliant new talent. Daniel Lawrence Taylor, with Studio Lambert and the BBC, has created a revealing and immensely engaging and entertaining world at St Gilbert’s – a contemporary comedy of manners with a lot of heart that we are delighted to represent globally.”
