Birmingham-set coming-of-age drama Just Act Normal has released a first trailer before its BBC debut set for later this month.
The clip sees actors Chenée Taylor, Kaydrah Walker-Wilkie and Akins Subair as siblings Tiana, Tanika and Tionne. The teens are forced to fend for themselves after their mother goes awol, and they decide to keep it a secret out of fear of being separated.
While Tiana takes it upon herself to keep their lives in order, Tanika is determined to get her teacher to adopt them, and Tionne displaces his grief, all whilst the adults around them insist on speaking with their mother, leaving the kids to make excuses for her absence.
As the siblings adjust to their new, chaotic reality, things take a turn when their mum's drug dealer, Dr Feelgood, moves in.
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In a hilarious scene, the puzzled dealer asks what the siblings are doing with a chicken in their house.
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Judging by the trailer, it seems the animal becomes part of the family as Tionne's emotional support pet of sorts.
Hailed as "an irreverent portrait of Black working-class teenage life", Just Act Normal also stars Romola Garai as warm-hearted teacher Ms Jenkins, Sam Buchanan as the kind Dr Feelgood and Ivanno Jeremiah as the siblings' father Leo.
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Hollyoaks stars Jamelia and Jennifer Metcalfe also feature as stand-ins for the siblings' mum. Their characters are Fake Jackie and Leo's new partner Candy, respectively.
Directed by Nathaniel Martello-White, the series is written by writer Janice Okoh and promises to be "a celebration of Black joy, of council estates, and corner shops. Of working-class living and working-class dreams".
"It is human and tender," the synopsis reads, "with a thumping great heart."
Just Act Normal is coming to BBC iPlayer and BBC Three from April 16.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
