As someone who grew up with Grange Hill, I was excited to see this school drama on BBC but to be honest I wasn't expecting much from Phoenix Rise. Wow, was I wrong.
With a dazzling young cast who had me rooting for for them from the first time I saw them - and occasionally screaming (I'm talking about Summer (Lauren Corah) and Billy (Alex Draper) and their will they won't they get together) - this was an engrossing watch. Every character is a strong one.
The adults in the cast also impressed with Mr Stewart the headteacher who we first see spray painting a mural on the school wall and counsellor Becky the standouts.
The stories were very much of our time like Billy who's bringing up his sister alone despite being 15 visiting a food bank for the first time, but the old spectre of bullying was there too.
After the first series I'm really looking forward to seeing more from this talented bunch.
A very impressive debut from all concerned.
