The BBC has revealed the cast and released first-look images for What It Feels Like For A Girl, a new drama series based on Paris Lees’ acclaimed memoir. The eight-part series, set in the early 2000s, is described as a “raw, heartbreaking and hilarious” coming-of-age story. It doesn’t have a specific airdate yet, other than it will arrive later in 2025.
Here’s the Lowdown: Ellis Howard (Catherine the Great, Red Rose) stars as Byron, a teenager stuck in a small, post-industrial town. Seeking escape, Byron finds the vibrant Nottingham underworld, encountering a group known as “The Fallen Divas.” This includes Lady Die (Laquarn Lewis), Sticky Nikki (Alex Thomas-Smith), and Dirty Damian (Adam Ali), and an emerging rivalry with Sasha (Hannah Jones). The series follows their exploits through the early 2000s UK club scene. The show will be available on both BBC iPlayer and BBC Three.
What This Means Now: What It Feels Like For A Girl presents a frank look at self-discovery, escapism, and the risks that come with both. The casting announcement signals a commitment to authentic representation, with both established actors and newcomers. Key cast members include Hannah Walters, Laura Haddock and Michael Socha.
The Bigger Picture: The series is adapted from a celebrated memoir and, according to the show creator Paris Lees, gives a voice to working-class stories. Lead director is Brian Welsh (Beats, Black Mirror). The story travels from a depressed former mining town to the vibrant, chaotic early 2000s club scene, and showing how a shocking encounter can turn everything upside down. The series will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three, with international distribution by ITV Studios, later this year.
