A compelling new drama is set to unveil the hidden cracks beneath the surface of a picture-perfect English community. Wild Cherry, a coming-of-age series from writer Nicôle Lecky, arrives on BBC One and iPlayer this November, promising a potent mix of mystery, privilege, and the complex bonds between mothers and their daughters.
What is Wild Cherry About?
The series is set in the affluent, gated community of Richford Lake, where life appears idyllic for its wealthy residents. The story kicks into gear when a shocking scandal erupts at the teenagers' exclusive private school. This event forces super-mum Juliet, played by Eve Best, and business mogul Lorna, portrayed by Carmen Ejogo, into a crisis. As their daughters, Grace (Imogen Faires) and Allegra (Amelia May), face accusations, long-buried secrets and toxic lies begin to ripple outwards, turning friends and families against each other.
Nicôle Lecky, who also appears in the drama as Gigi, revealed her inspiration came from driving through private communities in Surrey. She was fascinated by the grand houses and wanted to explore who lived inside them, focusing on the universal issues faced by mothers and daughters, even amidst immense privilege and wealth.
Cast, Release Schedule and Filming Details
The ensemble cast is a major draw for the series. Alongside Eve Best (House of the Dragon) and Carmen Ejogo (The Penguin), the show features Imogen Faires (Marcella) and Amelia May. The supporting cast includes Sophie Winkleman, James Murray, and Nathaniel Martello-White.
Mark your calendars: Wild Cherry begins on Saturday, November 15 at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The launch night will feature the first two episodes airing consecutively. In total, viewers can immerse themselves in six episodes of the gripping series.
Staying true to its setting, the programme was filmed in and around the Home Counties, specifically Surrey. The actors were reportedly awestruck by the scale of the locations. Amelia May, who plays Allegra, commented on the "ginormous" houses, while Eve Best noted that one key location, Lonsdale House, was a composite of four different fabulous properties to achieve the desired effect.
A Story of Privilege and Universal Struggles
At its heart, Wild Cherry is a coming-of-age tale for both the teenage girls and their mothers. It navigates the treacherous waters of privilege, power, and the ever-present influence of social media. The series poses the question of how much danger and betrayal can lurk just beneath the surface, even in the most seemingly perfect of towns. It promises to be a sharp and intriguing look at the lives of those who have it all, but perhaps not the happiness that should come with it.
