BBC reveals new cast and first look at the second series of the hit comedy-drama Boarders

Published: October 16, 2024 — The BBC has released first-look pictures for the return of the hit comedy-drama Boarders, which will arrive for a second term next year on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three in the UK and on TUBI, co-producer, in North America and LATAM, as well as ZDFneo in Germany. Created and written by the BAFTA-nominated Daniel Lawrence Taylor, who co-stars in the series as Gus, Boarders is produced by Studio Lambert, part of All3Media, in association with All3Media International for the BBC.

The new pictures show Josh Tedeku (Jaheim), Jodie Campbell (Leah), Sekou Diaby (Toby), Myles Kamwendo (Omar) and Aruna Jalloh (Femi) back at St Gilbert’s for series two. They are seen alongside returning characters Harry Gilby (Rupert), Tallulah Greive (Beatrix), Rosie Graham (Florence), Assa Kanouté (Abby), Georgina Sadler (Mabel) and Niky Wardley (Carol Watlington-Geese).

Announced today, new cast members for series two include BAFTA-winner Wunmi Mosaku (Loki) as Jaheim’s mum, Grace. Cara Theobold (Downtown Abbey) joins the cast as St Gilbert’s new writer in residence Jude, with Michael Salami (Supacell) as Femi’s Uncle Teju. Kendra Brown stars in her debut on-screen role as the new American exchange student, Devon’ye.

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.

Returning cast from series one also include Zheng Xi Yong (Xiang), Dillon Mitra (Dilton), Archie Fisher (Cheddar), Andrew Harmon-Gray (Graham), Ruxandra Porojnicu (Yelena), Kye Malcom (Caleb), Llewella Gideon (Sylvie), Mohammed Mansaray (Malachi), Niyi Akin (Koku), Maxim Ays (Felix), Al Foran (Stanley), William Andrews (Mackers) and Yuriri Naka (Ms Kaneko).

Daniel Lawrence Taylor, creator, writer and executive producer, says: “Bringing the new season of Boarders to life has been an incredible experience, especially with the exciting addition of new faces to the cast. Watching the actors effortlessly return to their roles, as if they had never left, has been an absolute joy. We hope you enjoy this second helping of the series as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it!”

Madeleine Sinclair, executive producer for Studio Lambert, says: “We’re so thrilled with our cast for series two of Boarders, both the wonderful returning characters and the exciting new faces – viewers are in for a real treat. Daniel’s scripts are once again as funny as they are thought-provoking and our talented cast come together to bring them to life perfectly.”

Boarders series two (6×45)’ is created by Daniel Lawrence Taylor, who serves as lead writer with Yemi Oyefuwa, Jeffrey Aidoo and Racheal Ofori writing additional episodes. 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.