Loosely inspired by true life events, Dreaming Whilst Black follows aspiring filmmaker Kwabena, a man stuck in a dead-end job who spends his time flitting between reality and a fantasy world of success. Kwabena is desperate to make it in “Babylon”, the only problem is he's broke, Black and born into a Jamaican family who wishes he was an accountant.

The pilot, adapted from the hugely popular web series co-written by Adjani Salmon and Ali Hughes, saw Salmon scoop the RTS Breakthrough award at this year's Programme Awards back in March. 

Co-creator, writer and star of Dreaming Whilst Black Adjani Salmon, said: “When we made the web series we wanted to be “di bes ting pon di intanet.” With all the support we now have, we want to make “di bes ting pon BBC TV,” pun intended.”

Tanya Qureshi, Head of Comedy at the BBC added: “We are sure it won’t come as a surprise that BBC Comedy wanted to take this wonderful project to series. Its success and recognition speaks for itself. It is a testament to the work that Big Deal Films and co-writers Adjani and Ali have done, that it has attracted such a strong partner in A24. We can’t wait to bring the series to UK audiences later next year.”

Dreaming Whilst Black will be broadcast on BBC Three and iPlayer in 2023, with further casting details to be announced in due course.

Listen to our podcast interview with Adjani Salmon here.