Boarders Series 3: Cast Interviews & What to Expect | BBC

The final term is upon us. BBC’s boarding school drama Boarders is gearing up for its third and final series, promising a dramatic conclusion to the story of five Black inner-city teens navigating the unfamiliar world of St. Gilbert’s. With exams looming and futures on the line, the series is set to deliver a potent mix of rivalry, romance, and the challenges of forging a path forward.

The show follows the students after they receive scholarships to the prestigious school, a world away from their lives in South London. As the series progresses, the initial culture shock gives way to complex relationships and a growing awareness of the systemic barriers they face. The upcoming season promises to amplify these themes as the characters confront their ambitions and the pressures that come with them.

Aruna Jalloh, who plays Femi, spoke about the bittersweet feeling of filming the final series. “It’s kind of sad, because every day is its last, and you just know that it’s all going to be done soon,” Jalloh said. “It’s sad, but it’s fun, we’ve all grown as well.” Jalloh’s character, Femi, appears to be in a good place at the start of the season, “looking forward to drama and where that’s going to capture him.” When asked what advice she’d give Femi, Jalloh offered a poignant suggestion: “Believe in yourself more. Stop shape shifting for people.”

Jodie Campbell, who portrays Leah, described a more fraught starting point for her character. “Leah’s not in a good place at the start of series three,” Campbell explained. “She’s realising the gravity of the last two seasons and why she’s at St Gilbert’s. She’s really just focusing on making it worth it. So with that she’s not thinking about her health, or her well-being, because she is just so focused on her studies and getting to where she feels like she needs to be.” Campbell’s advice to Leah is a reminder of balance: “You can’t plan everything. Life has funny ways of happening, sometimes you just got to give in to it. And also take care of yourself.” Reflecting on a standout moment from her time with the series, Campbell recalled the cathartic scene where Leah wrecks a portrait in the first season, a symbolic act of defiance against the school’s exclusionary atmosphere.

Josh Tedeku, who plays Jaheim, revealed that his character is preparing for a significant life change. “He’s figured out that he’s going to move to America, so he’s packing and tying up loose ends,” Tedeku said. “He doesn’t really want to tell his friends so they don’t make it a big deal because he knows they will. Then that’s it for him, he’s out.” Tedeku shared a humorous anecdote about a memorable, and liberating, on-set experience: “Running butt naked, I always bring this up. Honestly, that’s the freest I’ve ever felt.”

Myles Kamwendo, who plays Omar, described a complex emotional landscape for his character. “At the start season three Omar is in a very strange place,” Kamwendo explained. “The Raisinets are dead. He’s dealing with the aftermath of what happened in the final, after the drawings and all. He’s trying to figure that out, figure out where he stands, as well as dealing with this latest relationship he has with the master Raisinet, Johnny.” Kamwendo also highlighted the strong bonds formed with his co-stars, anticipating continued friendships beyond the show. He envisions Omar, in five years, “graduating art school… travelling, honing his craft… I don’t see him being big time successful yet, but I see him making the steps towards that.”

Sekou Diaby, who plays Toby, spoke about the emotional weight of filming the final series. “Bittersweet. It’s nice to let it come to a close, but I’m going to miss it,” Diaby said. He described Toby and Abby as “pretty settled” at the start of the season, but hinted at impending turmoil. Diaby offered a succinct piece of advice for Toby: “Listen to yourself.” He imagines Toby, five years from now, having graduated from Cambridge and enjoying a “decent salary.”

Behind the camera, directors Yero Timi-Biu and Satya Bhabha brought their distinct visions to the final season. Timi-Biu, who helmed the first three episodes, emphasized the importance of portraying the characters’ growth and navigating the pressures of impending adulthood. “I wanted to make the show feel more grownup by aging up the characters a little as they’re going into the real world now,” Timi-Biu explained. She also highlighted the collaborative spirit on set and the intentionality behind the visual elements, from costume to set design.

Bhabha, directing episodes four through six, focused on empowering the characters within the physical space of St. Gilbert’s. “I was conscious of how the architecture of the school dominated the frame so much in the early seasons,” Bhabha said. “I wanted to capture the feeling of being in your final year of school when you kind of own the place.” He also praised the cast’s ability to seamlessly blend humor and emotional depth.

Creator and writer Daniel Lawrence Taylor reflected on the journey of bringing Boarders to life. “If you’ve not seen Boarders, I suppose you should watch it, because the five main leads are incredible performers,” Taylor said. He emphasized the show’s ability to tackle complex issues of race and class while remaining universally relatable. Executive Producer Madeleine Sinclair echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that audiences will feel entertained, satisfied, and optimistic about the characters’ futures.

Boarders series three is poised to deliver a compelling and emotionally resonant conclusion to a story that has captivated audiences with its unique blend of drama, humor, and social commentary. The final season promises to be a fitting send-off for these characters as they prepare to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.