C4 signs up for Dance School created by Rocks, Call the Midwife writers

Channel 4 in the UK has commissioned a new coming-of-age drama series created by Rocks screenwriter Theresa Ikoko and Call the Midwife scribe Lisa Holdsworth.

Theresa Ikoko

Produced by Duck Soup Films, which today has also signed a first-look deal with All3Media International, Dance School (working title) follows an eclectic group of dance students as they navigate the intense highs and lows of growing up in today’s complex world.

Executive producers on the 8×30’ drama are Ikoko, Holdsworth, Rebekah Wray-Rogers, Jessica Brown Meek, Libby Durdy, Kathryn O’Connor and Jessica Straker, while Holdsworth, Dipo Baruwa-Etti, Kamal Kaan, Zodwa Nyoni and Phoebe Okeowo serve as writers.

For the production, which will shoot in the autumn in and around Leeds, Duck Soup has partnered with 4 Skills, C4’s nationwide training and development scheme, to provide 10 paid full-time placements for people with no previous experience in the broadcast industry.

Durdy, co-founder of Duck Soup Films, said: “The years of development have paid off in Duck Soup’s first commission Dance School which was snapped up within a few hours of reading by All3Media International, who in addition offered a first-look on all our TV projects. Partnering with such a brilliant and visionary team at All3Media International at a point of significant company growth is both reassuring and thrilling in equal measure.”

In related news, the It’s a Sin broadcaster has also ordered a programme fronted by comedian Joe Lycett to celebrate 50 years of pride in the UK.

Joe Lycett’s Big Pride Party (1×120’) will see the former The Great British Sewing Bee presenter chat to celebrity guests include actor Rupert Everett, Heartstopper stars Joe Locke and Yasmin Finney and Drag Race queens Tia Kofi and Tayce.

Confirmed to perform are queer icons Boy George and Culture Club, Steps and Self Esteem, with further announcements in due course. EastEnders actor Danny Dyer will make a cameo, while comedians Rosie Jones and Jen Ives will also feature.

Produced by Rumpus Media in coproduction with My Options Were Limited, the feature is executive produced by Susan Maxwell, with Alan Thorpe, Mark Barrett and Charlotte Barker serving as series producers.