Theresa Ikoko (Grime Kids, Snatches: Moments from Women’s Lives), who co-wrote the BAFTA-nominated film Rocks, was originally involved in creating a new drama series called Dance School for Channel 4. The British television channel announced that Ikoko was co-creating this series two years ago. However, Deadline has received information that Ikoko is no longer working on the series. Deadline further reports that only a few details are available about why she is no longer involved or what led to this change.
Lisa Holdsworth (New Tricks, Robin Hood), who wrote for the series A Discovery of Witches, has taken over as the sole creator of Dance School. Representatives for Ikoko and the show Dance School have not provided any comments or further information about Ikoko’s departure from the project.
Deadline highlights that Dance School centers around a diverse group of dance students experiencing the intense emotional ups and downs associated with growing up in today’s challenging and multifaceted world. The show has similarities to Ikoko’s Rocks in terms of its themes and style. Channel 4 initially described the series as one highlighting well-developed characters based on real-life stories. These same characters were created through detailed workshops, suggesting a collaborative and realistic approach to their development. Alongside the production of Dance School, there were ten training placements offered. These placements were aimed at people with no prior experience in broadcast television, providing them with an opportunity to gain industry skills and experience.
According to Deadline, Ikoko’s departure is not the only significant change at Channel 4 since Dance School was approved two years ago. Caroline Hollick (Truelove, I Am…), the head of drama at Channel 4 and original commissioner for Dance School, left her position a few months ago. Following her exit, the TV drama department was merged with Film4, the film division of Channel 4, under a single commissioning leader. Ollie Madden (The Father, Poor Things), the head of Film4, has taken on this new role and is now responsible for commissioning TV dramas and films. He is currently adapting to his expanded responsibilities, which include overseeing small-screen projects.
The team at Channel 4, which is responsible for approving and managing drama projects, has seen significant turnover. This can affect the continuity and management of ongoing projects like Dance School. But as of now, the show is still in development and moving forward. In other words,despite the internal changes, it hasn’t been canceled or stalled.