BBC Children’s and Education has announced a number of new commissions, including a new Yorkshire-based comedy, High Hoops.
Filmed in Halifax by CanCan Productions, the original comedy will star Peep Show alumni, Robert Webb and Isy Suttie.
The 10×30 minute sitcom for CBBC will tell the story of a “charmingly reckless” high school basketball player and her chaotic pursuit of success, fame, love and the perfect hook shot.
The tall, gaffe-prone but unstoppable Aoife O’Neill (Darci Hull) arrives at a new school in a new area and sees it as an opportunity to change her life. She soon discovers that the only place she can really fit in is the terrible school basketball team – can she turn them around?
Written and created by Sinead Fagan a lifelong basketball player and coach, each episode sees them face a new challenge and edge closer to their hoop dreams.
West Yorkshire-based CanCan produces the show, with international distribution handled by APC Kids.
The producer is Dominique Molloy and the lead director is Ian Curtis.
Another new commission is Primrose Railway Children, Jacqueline Wilson’s modern reimagining of E Nesbit’s classic The Railway Children.
The novel is being made into a 1 x 90 minute show by BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions.
Filmed in and around Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands and heritage railways, the story follows Phoebe, her older sister Becks, younger brother Perry and their mum who are living a comfortable life in Glasgow when suddenly they are uprooted from their lives and moved to the remote highlands of Scotland.
“Our homegrown dramas continue to be enjoyed by children and their families across the UK and beyond, these three titles are not only brilliant entertainment, but they also represent children’s lives and UK culture in unique ways,” said Patricia Hidalgo, Director BBC Children’s and Education.
“Promising big laughs, silly jokes, high stakes drama and intrigue, with stories that resonate across generations and across frontiers, bringing families together watching TV.”
High Hoops and Primrose Railway Children will come to CBBC and iPlayer later this year.
