Going back to school
THE fans have spoken and a second series of this drama about a multi-cultural school has been commissioned – with twice as many episodes.
This means the untidy loose ends at the end of tonight’s finale are slightly (only slightly) easier to stomach.
As it begins, headmistress Mandy (Jo Joyner) is giving the
staff a pep talk about the open day. She’s being smug and patronising, actually.
“Please, everybody on their best behaviour,” she lectures. These words from the woman who’s been having an affair with one of her fellow teachers, Sadiq (Adil Ray). Pot. Kettle.
It’s an important day for the school with lots of governors and prospective parents arriving to inspect whether Ackley Bridge College is a success. Alya (Maarriah Hussain) is due to give a speech about the integration at the school and how much she’s enjoyed being there.
Needless to say, she goes a little bit off-script and the results are both dramatic and hilarious.
Meanwhile, Candice (Emily Pyzer) reveals the true identity of Jamie’s father, leading Jordan (Sam Bottomley) to spiral out of control when he finds out the horrible truth. And watch out for a knight in shining armour moment for Mandy – although far be it for me to say who is the knight and whether she will skip off into the sunset with said knight or clobber him over the head with her handbag.
Punchy, funny and relevant, this soap opera drama has found its feet.
And you’ll want to tune in for series two.