Jennifer Metcalfe joins new BBC drama set in Birmingham

Jennifer Metcalfe, known for her role in Hollyoaks, will star in a new BBC drama titled Just Act Normal. This darkly comic series is set in Birmingham and is based on a successful play by Janice Okoh called Three Birds. The show consists of six episodes and follows three siblings: Tiana, Tionne, and Tanika. They are hiding a deep family secret after their mother goes missing. To stay together, they try to keep the truth from the outside world. Tiana is trying to manage their everyday lives, while Tionne copes with his grief in a troubled way. Meanwhile, Tanika attempts to convince her teacher to adopt them. Chaos unfolds when their mother’s drug dealer, Dr Feelgood, unexpectedly moves in with them. The series explores themes of black working-class life. It balances comedy with moments of tenderness, reflecting the struggles and joys of growing up. New actors Chenée Taylor, Kaydrah Walker-Wilkie, and Akins Subair play the siblings. Romola Garai features as their caring teacher, and Sam Buchanan plays Dr Feelgood. Jennifer Metcalfe guest stars as Candy, the new partner of a character named Leo, played by Ivanno Jeremiah. Just Act Normal has been filmed in the West Midlands and is produced for BBC iPlayer and BBC Three. The show is set to be released soon.