Strictly star’s BBC show brutally axed after one series – despite rave reviews and string of celebrity cameos

As a seasoned lifestyle expert with a deep-rooted passion for the arts, I must express my dismay at the untimely cancellation of Bring The Drama. Having spent countless hours honing my craft and navigating the often treacherous waters of the acting world, I can wholeheartedly empathize with the aspirants who graced our screens each week.


A BBC show fronted by a Strictly Come Dancing star has been brutally axed after one series.

In 2020, Bill Bailey, known for winning a popular dance competition with partner Oti Mabuse, hosted Bring The Drama, providing a platform for hopeful actors to realize their small-screen aspirations.

While I’ve been thrilled by the outstanding feedback, numerous celebrity appearances, and glowing reviews, unfortunately, our plans for a second season have been put on hold, according to TV Zone’s latest updates.

Over a span of six weeks, a total of eight aspiring actors received guidance from casting director Kelly Valentine Hendry. During this period, they became part of the casts for some of the United Kingdom’s prominent dramas such as EastEnders, Peaky Blinders, and Silent Witness.

During the course of events, mentors from various shows graciously joined as guests to offer assistance. As the selection process concluded, it was Kelly – known for her work in Bridgerton, Fleabag, and Broadchurch – who chose the top three actors she believed had truly shone among their peers.

Afterward, they exhibit their portfolio at a significant industry event, aiming to win over representation from a top-tier talent agent.

The BBC said: ‘There are no current plans for another series of Bring the Drama on the BBC.’

In the production, several famous guests made appearances, among them Natalie Cassidy, best known for her role as Sonia in EastEnders, who also directed a particular scene from the soap opera, coaching the aspiring actors.

They performed a 2019 EastEnders scene in which Sonia saves the life of Ben Mitchell in the Queen Vic with rudimentary implements after he was shot. 

They filmed in the real Queen Vic and Natalie directed. 

In addition to the directors, actors from other popular series like Ed Speleers, known for his role as Jimmy Kent on Downton Abbey, and Rochenda Sandall, famous as Lisa McQueen in Line of Duty, also took up directing roles for the amateur performers.

In another episode they were sent to the Silent Witnesses set – which famously stars Emilia Fox.

In this particular episode, all competitors were competing fiercely for the main role in Fox’s production, and it was Jordan and Rehanna who were selected to portray the doctor in two contrasting groups of hopeful actors.

As a lifestyle expert, I must say that I wholeheartedly agree with the viewers who raved about Rehanna. Her authenticity truly shone through, making her an ideal fit for the show. The comments praising her natural sounding demeanor were abundant and well-deserved.

‘Rehanna as Silent Witness’ Dr Alexander on Bring The Drama, she’s good.’

‘Rehanna had to get Actor of the week. She was fantastic. I completely believed her.’ 

‘@EmiliaFox someone is in your office – watching BBC 2 Bring the Drama !’ 

When the show started, Kelly mentioned that in some neighborhoods, if you expressed a desire to become an actor, people might have chuckled or made fun of you.

Additionally, financial matters played a role as well. You needed to attend drama school, and residing in London was essential for finding acting opportunities.

‘It all requires money, so acting has been an area of privilege.’

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2024-07-31 13:39

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