An Exciting New Addition to Channel 4’s Comedy Lineup
EXCLUSIVE: Munya Chawawa and Bridgerton sensation Charithra Chandran are set to appear in Schooled, a new comedy series on Channel 4. The show draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of creator Delia-René Donaldson, who worked in pastoral care at an academy in London.
Munya Chawawa will portray a character named ‘T’ opposite Shiloh Coke from Cheaters who will play the central role of Kayleigh Clarke. Clarke steps into the challenging position of Head of Year 10 despite having no prior teaching experience and a short temper with difficult adolescents. Accompanying them are Judi Love from Taskmaster, Michelle de Swarte from Spent, and Charithra Chandran, taking on the roles of Anita, Naomi, and Lara, respectively. The cast also includes Rebecca Humphries from The Crown, Alex Bhat of Gentleman Jack fame, and Elliot Barnes-Worrell, known for his role in Black Mirror.
The addition of Munya Chawawa and Charithra Chandran to the cast is a major win for the production. Chawawa, a standout social media influencer and comedian, has been increasingly involved with Channel 4 and is on the cusp of presenting the Edinburgh TV Festival Alternative MacTaggart lecture. Chandran gained widespread acclaim for her role as Edwina Sharma in the beloved second season of Netflix’s Bridgerton, acting alongside Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley.
Behind the Scenes of Schooled
Production for Schooled is currently in progress. The series is touted as a humorous tribute to educators throughout the UK. It centers on Kayleigh Clarke who, despite facing a shortage of resources, an overburdened staff, and challenging students, is resolved to leverage her unconventional background to her advantage. As she navigates this new role, Clarke discovers the power of empathy and forms unlikely alliances, realizing that sometimes, understanding is key to surviving the educational battlefield.
The series boasts a production team led by BAFTA-winning producer Afolabi Kuti, who is executive producing through his Broedmachine company in collaboration with Group M Motion Entertainment. The creative team includes writers like Yemi Oyefuwa, known for Smothered and Dreaming Whilst Black, Tyrell Williams of Time Bandits and Hoodocumentary fame, and script editor Jeremy Dyson, recognized for his work on We Are Lady Parts, The Curse, and Bad Education.
Afolabi Kuti expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We’re thrilled to be working with such a wildly funny and immensely talented cast. The magic they’ve created together is a pure joy to watch. This is all a testament to Delia’s brilliant writing and the extraordinary team effort that went into casting.”
Charithra Chandran is represented by JAG in the UK and by Gersh in the U.S., as well as Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
