The new ten-part series will see the addition of new character Kayla (Robyn Cara), a funny and vibrant mixed-race teenager who is facing an identity crisis, torn between her mum’s family who are white and her dad’s traditional Pakistani family.

Joining Kayla is her best friend Fizza (Yasmin Al Khudhairi), who is intelligent and politically active, plus the attractive but arrogant Johnny (Ryan Dean), a member of the travelling community who is sceptical of school and catches the attention of Kayla and Fizza.

Kayla’s mean girl sister Marina (Carla Woodcock) is also new to the school and Tahir, the nephew of Kaneez (Sunetra Sarker), a charming liar who is hiding a family secret.

The series is inspired by real-life Lancashire and Yorkshire schools which tried to integrate white and Asian communities, despite being in some of the most divided towns in the country.

Diversity in the stories told on screen and the talent working behind the scenes are imperative to the show, and this series, all five of the writers are from diverse backgrounds.

The returning cast will include Rob James Collier, Jo Joyner, Charlie Hardwick, Tony Jayawardena, Fern Deacon, Phoebe Tuffs-Berry, Cody Ryan, Nazmeen Kauser and Zara Salim.

Filming will take place in Halifax with Covid-19 secure measures in place.