The beloved BBC Three comedy, Bad Education, is making a much-anticipated return with its fifth series set at Abbey Grove. Filming for the new season is currently underway in London.
Today, an exclusive sneak peek has been unveiled, capturing the essence of the upcoming series right from the set. The image showcases the lead actors: Layton Williams, renowned for his role in the West End production of “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie,” portraying drama teacher Stephen Carmichael; and Charlie Wernham, familiar from his time on “EastEnders,” taking on the role of PE teacher Mitchell Harper. Alongside them, British comedy stars Mathew Horne from “Gavin & Stacey,” in the role of Mr Fraser, and Vicki Pepperdine known for “Getting On,” as the headteacher Ms Hoburn, are making their return for this exciting new season.
The Bad Education Reunion has proved to be a massive hit on BBC Three since the channel’s relaunch in 2022. The fourth series drew an impressive viewership of over 1.2 million, boasting the highest audience for any BBC Three comedy series within a 28-day window (excluding specials). This achievement solidified its position as one of BBC Three’s most triumphant titles.
Since its debut in 2012, the show made a triumphant comeback last year with a Christmas special that bid farewell to the character Alfie Wickers, portrayed by Jack Whitehall. The fourth series then ushered in a new chapter at Abbey Grove, focusing on school alumni Stephen and Mitchell as they navigated their new roles as teachers.
The upcoming fifth series will see the next generation of Class K returning to Abbey Grove. The ensemble includes the likes of glamorous gossip Usma (Asha Hassan), aspiring roadman Inchez (Anthony J Abraham), the good-natured yet dim-witted Harrison (Bobby Johnson), the well-intentioned but clueless slacktivist Jinx (Laura Marcus), the eccentric Warren (Ali Hadji-Heshmati), and the spirited hustler Blessing (Francesca Amewudah-Rivers).
Layton Williams says: “I’m so buzzing that everyone embraced the new Bad Education! Thanks to yous, we’re back and badder than ever, creating more chaos with a super-talented bunch. More life, more laughs, more looks!”
Charlie Wernham says: “The response to the last series was phenomenal, I am so excited for the fans to see what we have in store for series five! We have such a wonderfully talented cast, crew and writing team who have so much fun making the show, I am truly grateful that we all get to do it again!”
Freddy Syborn, Director, Co-Creator & Executive Producer says: “Last year, Jack & I loved putting together our new crew of characters and collaborators. We couldn’t be happier to be back – series five is going to be more joyful than ever.”
Sarah Fraser, Executive Producer of Comedy at Tiger Aspect says: “Jack and Freddy did a brilliant job relaunching the series last year; leading a dynamic team of new writers, cast and crew. Expect even more disruption from Abbey Grove this term.”
Richard Ackerman, Executive Producer at Jackpot Productions says: “We’re so delighted that Bad Education is back for another term of mayhem. We can’t wait to deliver this next series with the amazing Layton, Charlie and all the cast.”
The fifth series (6 x 30’) comes to BBC Three and BBC iPlayer next year and is made by the award-winning Tiger Aspect Comedy (part of Banijay UK) in co-production with Jackpot Productions. The series will be directed by Freddy Syborn, produced by Hussain Casey-Ahmed and executive produced by Jack Whitehall, Freddy Syborn, Sarah Fraser and Richard Ackerman. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy and the Commissioning Editors for the BBC are Ben Caudell and Navi Lamba. Banijay Rights will distribute the series internationally.
The writers include Anna Costello, Ava Pickett, Charlie Wernham, Nathan Bryon, Laura Smyth, Rhys Taylor, Layton Williams, Felix Hagan, Freddy Syborn, with additional material from Kyrah Gray and Fathiya Saleh.
