The BBC Reveals First-Look Images Of The New Darkly Comic Drama, Just Act Normal
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Carl Roberts 
The new darkly comic drama Just Act Normal is coming soon to BBC Three and BBC iPlayer. See the first-look images here.
The BBC has released first-look pictures for the brand-new comedy drama Just Act Normal from award-winning writer Janice Okoh (Sanditon, Hetty Feather). The six-part series is based on Janice’s play Three Birds. Winner of the prestigious Bruntwood Playwriting Prize. It is made for BBC iPlayer and BBC Three by The Forge Entertainment (The Buccaneers, Help, Ackley Bridge). A Banijay UK Company.
Just Act Normal is the first TV role for pictured newcomers, and series leads Chenée Taylor (who plays Tiana), Kaydrah Walker-Wilkie (Tanika), and Akins Subair (Tionne), who star as three siblings hiding a terrible family secret.
THE IMAGES
The pictures also feature Romola Garai (Vigil, One Life), who plays the dedicated, warm-hearted teacher Ms Jenkins. Sam Buchanan (My Fault: London, Sherwood) plays the funny and unexpectedly kind Dr Feelgood. And Ivanno Jeremiah (Halo, Lockwood & Co.) plays the fun, laid-back father-of-three Leo. Jamelia is featured as the larger-than-life Fake Jackie, a stand-in for their missing mum. Jennifer Metcalfe (Hollyoaks) guest stars as Leo’s new partner Candy, and Talitha Wing (The Full Monty) plays Rome, an insta-model struggling with her own self-worth.
THE PREMISE
Set in Birmingham and filmed across the West Midlands. Just Act Normal is coming soon to the BBC. When their mum disappears, Tiana, Tionne, and Tanika fight to hide the truth from the outside world in order to stay together as a family. As Tiana struggles to keep their regular lives afloat, Tionne displaces his grief. And Tanika tries to convince her teacher to adopt them, chaos erupts when their mum’s hapless drug dealer, Dr Feelgood, moves in.
The series is an irreverent portrait of black working-class teenage life. A coming-of-age story of sorts. The first times, the f*ck-ups, and the excruciating desire to be more grown-up than you’re ready to be. It’s a celebration of black joy, council estates, and corner shops. Of working-class living and working-class dreams. It is human and tender, with a thumping great heart.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Just Act Normal (6×45) was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. And Fiona Campbell, Controller Youth Audience, BBC Three and BBC iPlayer. The series is created and written by Janice Okoh and is directed by Nathaniel Martello-White (The Strays), who also serves as co-executive producer. The producer is Jade Taylor (Ackley Bridge, Becoming Elizabeth). Executive producers are George Ormond (Ackley Bridge, National Treasure) and George Faber (Shameless, Skins) for The Forge Entertainment (a Banijay UK company). Janice Okoh and Danielle Scott-Haughton for the BBC. Just Act Normal will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.
The series is coming soon to BBC iPlayer and BBC Three
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
