A new comedy-drama series called Boarders is set to air on BBC Three very soon, and concerns five talented black teenagers receiving scholarships to attend a prestigious boarding school.

However, they discover they're only there to improve the school's image after a problematic scandal.

They then have to navigate a world which is completely unfamiliar to them and make the best of their situation.

The synopsis on the Radio Times website reads: "Five talented black teenagers receive scholarships to a prestigious boarding school, only to discover they're only there to improve the school's image after a problematic scandal.

"Jaheim is soon warring with troublemaker Rupert, while Leah runs into conflict with the headmaster. Omar will do whatever it takes to prove a secret society is real, while Femi finds some unlikely friends who encourage him to take part in a bizarre school ritual. Toby is misjudged by his new peers, but turns it to his advantage to impress a girl."

Boarders was created by Daniel Lawrence Taylor who also has a role in the series as Gus, a mentor to the five leads.

Speaking about what he hoped audiences would take away from the show he said: "First and foremost, I just want people to have fun. I want them to come away loving the characters and wanting to be with them and warm to them. There’s so many fun and joyful characters in the show and I think that’s what I want people to see and connect with.

"The five leads you see in Boarders aren’t often what we see on TV or if you do see them they’re never in these kinds of situations and going through the things they have to battle with.

Surrey Comet: Boarders was created by Daniel Lawrence TaylorBoarders was created by Daniel Lawrence Taylor (Image: BBC / Studio Lambert Media Ltd)

"I take quite big swings at ‘issues’ but again it is first and foremost a piece of entertainment and it’s fun."

BBC Three Boarders full cast list

  • Josh Tedeku as Jaheim
  • Jodie Campbell as Leah
  • Myles Kamwendo as Omar
  • Sekou Diaby as Toby
  • Aruna Jalloh as Femi
  • Daniel Lawrence Taylor as Gus
  • Derek Riddell as Bernard
  • Niky Wardley as Carol Watlington-Geese
  • Harry Gilby as Rupert
  • Tallulah Greive as Beatrix
  • Rosie Graham as Florence
  • Georgina Sadler as Mabel
  • Assa Kanoute as Abby

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When will BBC Three's Boarders be on TV?

The first episode of Boarders will air at 9pm on Tuesday, February 20 on BBC Three, with the second episode airing in the same timeslot on Tuesday, February 27.

In total, there will be six episodes which should air weekly in the Tuesday 9pm timeslot on the channel.