THE BBC has revealed that a hit sitcom will come to an end after three series on air.
The show was branded ‘best on the Beeb’ and had a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score.
Popular school comedy-drama Boarders debuted on BBC Three last year to much success.
It tells the eye-opening story of a group of London-based black teens who are selected to attend a private boarding school after receiving scholarships.
And after receiving an incredible Rotten Tomatoes score of 100% and impressing viewers, another term is on the way.
But the news is bittersweet for fans – as it’s the final series and will conclude the show’s storyline.
Announcing the news, the BBC also confirmed Jodie Campbell, Sekou Diaby, Aruna Jalloh, Myles Kamwendo and Josh Tedeku will all reprise their roles for the final series.
Alongside writer and creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor who returns as their mentor Gus.
Taylor will also make his directorial debut this series, directing the final episode.
Filmed in Bristol, Boarders series three sees the South London teens back at St. Gilbert’s and the pressure is on.
They’ve made it to their final term, exams are looming, and they’re determined to achieve big.
As they dream of life beyond St. Gilbert’s, a neighbouring school – which also happens to be the one Abby is now attending – provokes an intense rivalry causing chaos and jeopardising their futures.
With new enemies, love interests and broken friendship, our teens are forced to face a fresh batch of problems which threaten to trip them up at their final hurdle.
What will it take for our scholarship kids to come out on top?
Returning cast from series two also include Niky Wardley, Assa Kanouté, Tallulah Greive, Rosie Graham, Georgina Sadler and Zheng Xi Yong.
Writer, creator and executive producer Daniel Lawrence Taylor, says: “Boarders has been a deeply personal project for me, and it’s been incredible to see how audiences have connected with the characters.
We look back at some of the best to ever grace the screen.
Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) – Only two series were made of the beloved institution. However, the cultural impact of the series starring John Cleese and Connie Booth spans decades. It follows rude and intolerant Basil Fawlty (Cleese) as he attempts to improve the reputation of his hotel.
Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003) – The show was crowned by some as the best British sitcom of all time by a TV poll in 2004. Seven series were broadcast on BBC until 1991 with additional sporadic Christmas specials airing until 2003. Sir David Jason starred as ambitious market trader Derek “Del Boy” Trotter whilst Nicholas Lyndhurst played his younger half-brother Rodney. Set in working-class Peckham in south-east London, it follows the highs and lows of the lives of the Trotters’, in particular their brazen attempts to get rich.
Blackadder (1983 – 1989) – Four series were made of the iconic show, created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson. Each series spans a different historical period as anti-hero Edmund Blackadder (Atkinson) tries to better himself in each society. Accompanied by his dogsbody Baldrick (Tony Robinson), trouble always ensues. A TV poll in 2004 found that Blackadder was voted the second-best British sitcom of all time
Absolutely Fabulous (1992 – 2012) – Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley star as failing PR guru Edina ‘Eddie’ Monsoon and alcoholic fashionista Patsy Stone. The pair embark on heavy-drinking sessions and abuse drugs in a desperate attempt to stay ‘hip’. Eddie constantly chases bizarre fads and fails to lose weight whilst her disappointed and neglected daughter Saffy (Julia Sawalha) looks on.
Little Britain (2003 – 2006) – The premise is simple. A sketch show which features different British people from all walks of life that are engaged in all sorts of comical scenarios. Starring Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the pair created iconic pop culture characters. Viewers loved obnoxious council estate teenager Vicky Pollard, morbidly obese scrounger Bubbles Devere, slimming coach Marjorie Dawes, despondent office worker Carol Beer, disgraced politician Sir Norman Fry, of course the iconic Lou and Andy!
The Catherine Tate Show (2004-2015) – A sketch show starring the likes of Catherine Tate. She made iconic characters such as rowdy schoolgirl Lauren Cooper with her line ‘Am I bovvered?’. Other characters featured Bernie the nurse, the aga saga woman, complaining couple Janice and Ray, and of course her infamous ‘Nan’, Joannie Taylor. The last character herself spawned multiple specials and even a movie.
Gavin and Stacey (2007 – Present) The series tells the story of Gavin (Matthew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page). The pair embarked on an online and telephone romance for six months. But when they finally decide to be together properly, their friends and family get in the way. Ruth Jones and James Corden created the beloved show, which has been going for over a decade. The 2019 Christmas special was the most-watched comedy in 17 years and the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade.
“From day one, I wanted to create something funny, honest, and proudly Black,
“And in this final term, I hope to finish their story as they face their final year with greater challenges, deeper friendships and the looming question of life beyond school.”
Studio Lambert Creative Director, Scripted Madeleine Sinclair says: “Daniel’s fearless and sharp writing, as well as standout performances from our cast.
“Have meant that audiences have truly embraced our characters and we cannot wait for everyone to see how their stories conclude – with humour, honesty, and a lot of heart.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama says: “Boarders has been a fun, sharp and timely addition to our screens since its launch two years ago, with star-making turns from its exceptional young cast.
“We’re so excited to return to St Gilbert’s one more time to bring viewers the conclusion of Daniel Lawrence Taylor’s hit comedy-drama.”
Fans can expect six brand new, 45 minute long episodes of Boarders when it returns to BBC.
CHANNEL 5 have announced their stunning punditry line-up for the Club World Cup.
The new-look tournament will begin on June 14 and run through to July 13.
Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 live on DAZN
SOME of the world’s biggest clubs are heading Stateside for a MAMMOTH Club World Cup.
Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13.
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane will be showing their skills to packed crowds across the US.
Los Blancos are favourites to lift the trophy in New York but will face stiff competition from around the globe.
Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 on DAZN
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament…
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There will be 63 matches for fans to sink their teeth into, and 23 of them will be on Channel 5 after they teamed up with American broadcaster Dazn for the coverage rights.
Their first match will be the tournament opener of Inter Miami v Al Ahly at midnight on June 14.
Channel 5 also confirmed it would show highlights of every match across its social accounts and YouTube channel.
And the broadcaster has also announced some of the top talent who will be seen to help viewers digest the action.
Presenters across the games will include Olivia Buzaglo, Ade Oladipo, Kelly Somers and James Richardson.
The punditry list is far more extensive and includes top former professionals such as Ronaldo, John Obi Mikel, Sami Khedira, Shay Given, Callum Wilson, Kleberson, Christian Vieri, Mamadou Sakho, Lianne Sanderson and more.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano will also be present during the coverage.
Match commentators will include Conor McNamara, Rich Wolfenden, Dan O’Hagan, Mike Minay, Pete Odgers, Brandon Smith, Joe Speight, Jess Charman.
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Meanwhile, co-commentators will be Andros Townsend, Michael Brown, Brad Friedel, Rob Green, Danny Higginbotham, Don Hutchison, Jonas Olsson, Anita Asante.
Channel 5’s coverage will see them broadcast two of Chelsea‘s and Manchester City’s group games.
WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN
They will then have half of each of the games from the knockout stages; four out of eight Last-16 games, two out of four quarter-finals games and one semi-final game, before the final.
A £775million prize pot is being split between the 32 teams competing in the tournament.
Teams can earn £1.5m for winning a single game during the group stages, while a draw is worth £800,000.
Reaching the knockouts will earn a club £5.8m, with that figure booming to £10.1m for an appearance in the quarters and then £16.2m for the semi-finals.
The winner of the cup will win a colossal £30m, while the runner up gets £23.2, although the winning club could in theory earn up to £97m for their participation.
Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 live on DAZN
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD was forced to drop his iconic No.66 shirt following his move to Real Madrid.
The former Liverpool star was presented as a Los Blancos player with his new No.12 shirt number.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, stunned fans during the presentation as he spoke fluent Spanish as he addressed the media.
During the unveiling, he showed off his new shirt, which was printed with the No.12.
The defender had to change from his usual No.66 shirt due to LaLiga rules.
It is stated that first-team players must have squad numbers between one and 25.
Numbers 1, 13 and 25 are usually reserved for goalkeepers.
But fans believe they know why the England international has opted for the No.12 – and it is all to do with simple maths.
They claim that, because six plus six equals 12, Alexander-Arnold decided to pick the number.
One posted: “Just realised Trent took no.12 because 6+6 =12.”
A second wrote: “Trent is taking number 12 bc 6+6=12.”
A third commented: “6+6=12. 12 belonged to Marcelo, one of Real Madrid‘s best players. Wonderful number for Trent.”
A fourth said: “Trent chose 12 cause 6+6 is 12 just realised that.”
Another added: “I feel like Trent is only wearing # 12 for Real Madrid because his number was 66 and 6+6=12.”
His shirt also featured the name ‘Trent’ rather than ‘Alexander-Arnold’, which he wore while at Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold explained that he did not want any confusion over his name.
He said: “I’ve always found that when I’ve travelled to Europe, the whole ‘name’ situation confuses a lot of people—three names, double-barrelled.
“Alexander-Arnold, people call me Arnold, people call me Alexander, people call me Alex, people call me Trent… there’s a lot that goes on.
“I just thought, let’s make it simple, let’s make it easy. Trent on the back, be known as Trent.
“That’s my name and what people will call me.”
Alexander-Arnold had announced on May 5 that he’d be leaving Liverpool upon the expiry of his contract on June 30.
However, Real Madrid eventually agreed to pay a £10m fee in order to bring their new man in for the Club World Cup.
The full-back could make his debut for his new side as they take on Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18.
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD has finally completed his move to Real Madrid joins an exclusive club to pull on the famous white jersey.
So how did those who came before him get on?
LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)
Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.
As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.
The left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.
Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.
Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.
Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.
The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.
STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)
Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.
A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.
The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.
McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.
He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.
After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.
Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.
DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)
In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.
Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.
Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.
Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.
He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.
Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.
MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)
Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.
But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.
Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.
Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.
Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.
In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.
Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.
JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)
Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.
The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.
Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.
Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.
After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.
Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.
He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.
Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.
JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)
England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.
The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.
Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.
The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.
Birmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.
And with Alexander-Arnold now alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.