Locally filmed new TV school drama begins

and costume departments.

Speaking of how the filming went, she added: “Everyone was very welcoming. We didn’t have any aggro whatsoever, it was remarkable.

“I think it’s partly because we did the groundwork, we didn’t just show up. We went round and spoke to people and explained what was going on. And we’d get local people involved – for example, the street that Missy and Nas live on, a lot of the extras are the people who live there. That really changes how people feel about filming.”

The weekly six-part series promises to “explore the chaos, humour, camaraderie, pride, prejudice, conflict, romance and jealousies that define the school experience for teachers, pupils and parents alike.”

Jo Joyner is cast as the ambitious headteacher Mandy Carter, desperate to prove the controversial mix of segregated cultures in the classroom can work. Fellow former Walford resident Paul Nicholls plays her husband, PE teacher Steve Bell.

Tomorrow night marks the first day at the newly-integrated school, Ackley Bridge College, and best friends and neighbours Missy and Nas are now attending the same school for the very first time. Nas’ more conservative school friends take against Missy.

Nas sides with her school friends and Missy, fuelled by anger, decides to play dangerous liaisons.

Ackley Bridge starts on Channel 4 at 8pm.