Episode 1 School for Stars

Millions dream of fame, success and life in the spotlight.

But few realise what it takes to make it to the very top.

We're back inside one of the most famous stage schools in Britain.

Can we take it from the top, please? And give it everything!

And this time, it's more revealing than ever

as we follow all the highs and lows of the summer term.

It's heart, it's passion.

We'll catch up with some familiar faces...

..and get to know a whole new bunch of rising stars...

# You've taken my heart... #

High-five.

..as we show you what life's really like

for those aiming for the big time.

Up! Up! Pick it up!

This is...

Just 15 minutes from the heart of London's West End

lies the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts,

where young people learn to sing, dance

and act to a professional standard.

WHISTLE

# Hey, I just met you And this is crazy... #

The school is home to 275 pupils, aged between 11 and 22.

Today, it's the start of the summer term.

Hello!

-I did do some revision.

-Lies!

Everyone is excited to be back,

especially Ella, Jade, Max, Reece and Amber.

First day of term's always crazy.

Everyone's screaming, hugging... It's manic.

Everyone hasn't seen each other in months,

and are excited to see each other.

I don't know, everyone's just so bubbly the first day of term.

I've missed everyone a lot and I'm feeling really excited.

It feels good being back, doesn't it?

-Good, but tiring.

-Hard work.

Everyone's grown up a little and there's been some big changes -

-new haircuts...

-Thank you!

..new friendships. And even new pupils.

Good morning, everybody.

-ALL:

-Good morning.

Right, welcome back.

Just like last year,

it promises to be a jam-packed term full of ups and downs...

No!

..make-ups and break-ups...

nail-biting exams...

-and life-changing auditions.

-Go on!

And once again,

the school will be putting on a spectacular end of year show.

But before all of that, the school is buzzing

with some shocking news about Max and Jade.

Then main gossip around school is Max and Jade's break-up.

-Oh, my God, I didn't know that!

-Yeah!

-I think Jade and Max broke up.

-I thought they were good together.

I think everyone was a bit shocked.

I was sad, cos I was hoping to go to their wedding.

Max and Jade were the school's golden couple.

They spent every minute together and were best friends,

as well as boyfriend and girlfriend.

Now they've split up, the whole school wants to know why.

But Jade's only ready to tell Mimi and Mia for now.

-I think everyone noticed that we'd started arguing.

-Definitely.

Especially in class.

Everyone was like, "Hmm." And we never argued, usually.

No. I think also, I really want to focus on my acting.

-Yeah.

-And when we were arguing, he'd still be on my mind.

Sounds like Jade's had a tough time.

I was really sad, cos after a year and a half, I was a bit like,

"Oh, where's my best friend gone?"

But Max seems to be playing it cool.

I wasn't upset, because we agreed that we'd be friends,

so we weren't, you know, she was quite upset.

Obviously, I was a little bit down.

After 18 months together, breaking up can't be easy.

How will Jade cope, facing Max in front of all their old friends?

# Where have you been?

# Cos I never see you out

# Are you hiding from me, yeah?

# Somewhere in the crowd... #

What's up, dudes?

Is she a dude? Is she a dude? Is she a dude? Is she a dude? He's a dude.

-Oh, I'm sorry, am I not allowed to say dude?

-Not to girls!

It's very awkward, it's really awkward! And, um...

I'm going to try and make it not so awkward, but it is.

Awkward indeed, and the term has only just begun!

Max and Jade aren't the only ones with issues.

Their schoolmate, Reece, seems to have some problems of his own.

Last year, Reece could do no wrong.

He got top grades for his singing,

full marks from his mum for his stage show,

and he even got a kiss from the leading lady.

It was the most awkward kiss I've ever done in my entire life!

But now he's in his GCSE year, it's not all show business.

They're doing dance exams, they're doing singing, everything,

but just like any other school, they're doing their qualifications,

taking English exams, maths etc.

It's tough. It really is hard going and they have to apply themselves.

I really want to do well in my GCSEs because I want to make my mum proud.

She's done so much for me. She's made so many sacrifices for me to be here.

But it's not looking too good for Reece right now

as there's a stack of holiday homework he hasn't got done.

I haven't done Spanish homework.

GIGGLING

Like, Spanish... I do care about it, but I don't really like it.

-Senora is not going to be happy.

-She'll be fine.

I'll just do this. "I'm sorry, Senora."

So, armed with just his acting skills and no homework,

Reece heads to Spanish.

Have you got any homework for me?

-I forgot it today but I'll bring it for you tomorrow.

-Have you done it?

-I have.

-OK, tomorrow without fail. I'll put it in my diary.

-Yep.

It's not a bad performance from our cheeky amigo,

but if he doesn't catch up, he's heading for big trouble.

While Reece struggles to focus on anything other than performing,

not all his classmates have had their first taste of fame.

The school's helped pop stars like Leona Lewis and Pixie Lott

on their road to success,

but standing out in the crowd isn't always easy.

14-year-old Monifa joined the school in Year 7,

but she's still struggling to make her mark.

I'd describe myself as being a nice kind person, but mostly quiet.

Monifa's dream is to be a singer like her idol Beyonce,

but she's never had a leading role in any of the school shows.

It's quite hard to stand out in the school

if you're quiet because there's a lot of loud characters

and they over-shine you.

But Monifa's hoping this could be her year to shine.

Her Grade 6 singing exam is coming up

and she's determined to stand out.

My main goal this term is to get a distinction

because I've never got a distinction in singing so I'll be really happy.

But to get a distinction, Monifa will have to overcome her shyness.

If you stand in the corner with no energy, a bit scared,

no-one wants to see you perform.

It's nerve-wracking, getting up in front of the class.

You don't want to go wrong in case they, like...

not talk about you, but think you're a bad singer.

Jade has no problems performing, even in front of Max.

# There's nowhere to hide... #

But Monifa's still looking worried.

Can she do it?

Time to find out.

# I never felt quite like this... #

It's not a bad start

but she's struggling to let go in front of her friends.

# Oooh-oooh... #

And vocal coach Miss Sanders knows she can do better.

How do you feel today?

I want you to have fun with it.

Miss Sanders is determined to help Monifa do her best

but she's got an unusual way of going about it.

You stand here.

She pulls out and three boys, including Max and Ryan,

and wants Monifa to sing directly to them.

Sing a line to each of them.

But it's Monifa's worst nightmare.

She's so embarrassed, she can barely sing a single line.

I can't look at them!

But Miss Sanders thinks all that giggling has done the trick.

Right, sit down. I want that laughter and energy, but sing.

# You're strong and you're smart

# You've taken my heart

# I give you the rest of me it too

# You're the perfect man for me I love you, I do. #

How much better was that vocally?

THEY WHOOP

You have to enjoy your songs.

Sometimes these songs, if you take it too seriously, it doesn't work.

That energy, when you laughed.

How much better was her voice because she was more relaxed?

It's a step in the right direction.

But Monifa knows she's still got a long way to go,

and with the exam getting closer, time is running out.

Time is not on Reece's side either.

Earlier he failed to hand in his Spanish homework

and now he's realised he hasn't got his art homework either.

Is she going to tell me off?

Desperate not to turn up to another lesson empty-handed,

he's frantically trying to print something off.

Oh, my gosh, they're out of ink.

Things are just not going his way.

Put your hand up

if you have not either brought your homework this term

or got it here now.

I will talk to you at the end of the lesson about this.

It's not even lunchtime and Reece is in trouble again.

The thing is, you still could fail.

You haven't done the stuff you need to do for art GCSE.

I need another two hours and about 40 minutes,

I would say you're capable of, of observed work.

Today's been really stressful for me.

I didn't do my Spanish homework which is going to be handed in tomorrow

and then I've got to get two and a half hours of art done by Monday.

I'm going to be a bit sick after all of this.

Reece isn't the only one who's stressed out.

Desperate to do all she can to improve before her singing exam,

Monifa asks Ryan to lend a helping hand.

By the way, at lunchtime, can you help me with my song?

I'm probably going to laugh a lot, but... Yeah.

It's really nerve-wracking, performing in front of everyone.

You'll be fine.

You just need to relax. When there's just one it will probably be easier.

-It's just one person in the room rather than the whole class.

-Yeah.

And in our singing exam, there's only two people, so it's easier.

-You just need to relax.

-Hopefully, it will be better.

Monifa might need to work on her confidence,

but that's not a problem for senior boy Layton.

Known as a triple threat, Layton's great at dancing, singing

and acting, too.

He's already played Billy Elliot in the West End

-and been on various TV shows.

-Action!

Now he's had six weeks off school for his latest role

in a new BBC comedy series.

Welcome to my crib. This is the trailer.

It's a big deal for Layton. Not only does he have one of the main parts,

but he also gets to act alongside famous comedian Jack Whitehall.

Any trace of dairy and I go from Will Smith to Seal

quicker than you can say, "Kissed by a rose."

Layton's character Stephen is very exuberant.

He's, like, a drama-obsessed kid in class.

Sounds a bit like the real-life Layton to me.

But I'm sure Layton wouldn't let success go to his head, would he?

He's very good, but don't tell him that.

because he'll be even more of a diva than he is already.

-Can I go on that side?

-Why?

-It's the better side of my face!

-I've never asked for a demand before.

-This is the first demand today.

We had to say something about ourselves. It comes to Layton,

"Hi, I'm Layton Williams and I'm a big ball of fabulosity!"

Sprinkle, sprinkle.

He has to have his make-up done in the way he wants it

otherwise he's not happy. "I'm not working with this!"

People say I'm a diva but I'm not, like, an actual diva.

No, in a lovely way.

Juggling acting work with school is now common for Layton

and it seems his career is really taking off.

This has been an amazing experience.

Having such a good time and being confident

has made me think I can do this.

I want to be an actor. I'll put my mind to it and I can do it.

Layton better enjoy it while he can

because once filming's over, it will be back to school

and some hardcore rehearsals for the end of year show.

But after six weeks off, could his lack of fitness mean

there's no starring role for our superstar-in-the-making?

THEY CHUCKLE

At school, Monifa's also dreaming of stardom.

This is studio three.

But a distinction in her singing exam would be good enough for now

and her good friend Ryan's doing his bit to help her on the way.

At this point, if I was you, at the first verse,

you could just be, like, talking to him.

It's kind of saying, like, "I never thought I'd meet a man like you."

The exam's looming and Monifa is still struggling with confidence

and needs all the practice she can get.

So, you're strong and you're smart, you've taken my heart and I give...

-The rest of me too.

-Yes. It's got to be like:

SINGS THEATRICALLY: # You're strong and you're smart

# You've taken my heart... #

I'm not sure of the tune but do you know what I mean?

SINGS PASSIONATELY: # You're strong and you're smart

# You've taken my heart

# And I give you the rest of me too

# You're the perfect man for me

# I love you, I do. #

Yes, so it's... "You're the perfect..."

So be like, "You're perfect! Mmhmm! I love you!"

Like, passionate. I know that sounds a bit cheesy,

but if you were singing to someone you really loved,

you'd be, like, "You're the perfect man for me. I love you, I do."

STRONGLY: # You're the perfect man for me

# I love you, I do. #

Yeah, that's really good. That sounds good.

It's a definite improvement.

You sound amazing.

Just go in there and strut your stuff.

But can Monifa keep it up

and get that distinction she so desperately wants?

-I'll just imagine you're there!

-Sing it to me!

Sometimes it seems with friends on side, anything is possible.

-I've got to do my Spanish homework.

-What Spanish homework?

The one we were meant to do in the holidays which I haven't done.

With homework stacking up, Reece has turned to good friend Natasha.

-I need to get it done by tomorrow.

-That's quite a lot to do.

Last year, Reece was always there to help his friends out.

You can't let them see it's getting to you.

You've got to keep your head strong.

But now it seems he's the one who needs help.

It would help me a lot.

-Very quickly.

-OK.

It feels quite bad being behind when you see your classmates so far ahead.

You just wish that you'd stayed on top of things

but I'm going to get back on top.

-Start with the day, Monday.

-In Spanish?

Very good.

Reece has realised it's time to change

and hopes it's not all too late.

I managed to persuade Tash to stay with me.

I asked Tash because she's pretty smart so she helps me quite a lot.

Also I didn't want to stay by myself.

If anyone knows how tough school can be, it's Natasha.

Last year she had more than her fair share of ups and downs.

-What's the word I'm always saying to you, the B word?

-Believe.

Reece was there for her when she needed it

and now she's happy to help him.

I'm going to have cornflakes for breakfast. Or I could just have eggs.

That's easier.

Exam day has finally arrived for Monifa.

-Are you nervous? Did you do your programme?

-It's here.

'My exam's right now, so it's quite nerve-wracking.'

My biggest challenge is getting everything right

and also performing to my best ability.

Looks good. You'll be fine.

With Ryan there to support her,

it's time to show the singing examiner just what she can do.

(She's very friendly.)

Let's hope for Monifa that this is her time to shine.

For Year 10 Reece, balancing the performance he loves

with all his GCSE homework hasn't been easy.

But he's determined to catch up.

My mum would be quite disappointed in me

if I don't do well, which is why I want to work hard.

The first step is handing in his Spanish homework.

I've done my homework and the diary.

Good, that's lovely. The holiday homework.

There's no stopping him now.

Not only has he done his Spanish, he's done his art homework, too.

Is this your Easter holiday work?

-Yes.

-This is your observed aspect of it here? Right.

-And it's multilayered.

-Very good. Well done.

I'll tick off that you've done your Easter holiday work now.

It's been a really stressful start to the term.

I feel like I'm back on track.

I've done my Spanish homework and now my art homework. It's all gone good.

I'm really pleased. The stress is relieved now, so it's all done.

While Reece gets back on track,

Max and Jade couldn't be further off-track.

Ryan wants an update.

Why do you feel uncomfortable today, Jade?

I feel a bit awkward but I would do, wouldn't I? You know, Maximus.

Maxi!

-I think it's because there's an awkward vibe.

-It's still fresh.

Yeah, we're still...

It seems "awkward" is fast becoming Max and Jade's favourite word.

It's awkward when I'm on one table and she's on another

on the opposite side of the canteen

because we used to sit together all the time.

It looks like there's no chance of them making up.

'I am banned from boys now.'

I have to think about my career

because I really, really want to be an actress and I am on boy ban.

That's what we call it, a boy ban. No boys.

So far, Max doesn't seem too bothered about Jade's ban.

In fact, he's got a new love in his life.

Me and Jade broke up because I wanted to focus on my music.

I started to learn the guitar and I got obsessed with it.

I was always on my guitar.

Max has started a band with 14-year-old Luca,

who recently joined the school.

# Things will get better if you just hold my hand

# Nothing can come between us... #

'It's great to play music. I love it'

and it's really fun to gather around with mates

and be able to play stuff that we like.

# So why make our lives harder? #

We're just covering songs but hopefully we'll write our own soon.

# I've been there before

# You've been there before

# Together we can be all right. #

'In a dream world we'll probably end up known all around the world

'and will have played in every single last stadium in the whole world'

and we'll be very famous.

Sounds like Max and Jade couldn't be going

in more opposite directions.

It's judgement day for Monifa. After struggling with her performance

and working hard to improve,

she's desperately hoping she'll get a distinction in her singing exam.

Right, look at these! All of whom have earned distinctions!

But is Monifa's name in the pile?

Matthew Loretti. Up you get, Matthew.

Distinction for Grade 6.

Ella! Where are you, Ella?

Distinction for Grade 6.

Bessie! Distinction for Grade 5.

Monifa! Where is Monifa?

Well done. Super stuff. Well done.

Distinction for Grade 6, Monifa. Well done.

Monifa's done it and there's one person

she can't wait to share the good news with.

'To practise my songs, I used to sing to my mum quite a lot

'so she knows the songs I was singing so I think she'll be really proud.'

-'Hello.'

-Hi, Mummy. I just found out my singing results.

-'OK, what did you get?'

-I got a distinction.

-'Oh, wow! That's really good.'

-Thank you.

Well done. I knew you could do it.

'Getting a distinction has boosted my confidence

'because I was quite shy when I went to perform my songs.

'I think this has boosted my confidence a lot.'

Not only has it boosted her confidence, it could mean

Monifa's one step closer to landing a part in the end of year show.

With rehearsals well under way,

everyone's looking forward to the end of year show's opening night.

The school is determined it's going to be better than ever.

That means getting in the very best instructors,

like professional dance choreographer, Mark Webb.

I've worked with Blue, Steps, Take That, Girls Aloud, Boyzone,

Destiny's Child, the list goes on.

With a track record like that, it's no surprise

he's a super-perfectionist who all the dancers strive to impress.

He's very tough on you because he expects a lot out of everyone

and he wants 150% all the time.

Everything needs to be hit a certain way so we have a lot to live up to.

Mark selected an elite troupe of the school's top dancers,

including Alex, who worked so hard

to win a lead in Mark's routine last year,

and Layton, who's back in school,

fresh from filming his new comedy series.

I've been filming for six weeks, so I'm not as fit as I used to be.

I've got to make sure I don't show it

and keep up to the pace I would usually be at, if not better.

Top dancers have to practise every day to stay at their peak.

After six weeks out of the studio, Layton will have to dig deep

if he's going to get through today's massive four-hour-long rehearsal

-and impress Mark.

-Go again.

You just need to do your best or else he will pull you up on it

and you don't want that in class.

The reasons why I push the guys so hard

is a sense of reality, really, of what the real business is about.

They've got to give 100% whether it's a hot day, a cold day,

headache, bad knee.

I try to be real with them and tell them how it is out there.

Layton's got to get to grips with Mark's complex hip-hop routine

and keep up with the school's most talented dancers.

But one hour in and Layton's already struggling.

Breaking a sweat. I've only done it twice.

And he needs to be careful, because Mark has noticed.

Layton can be a little bit lazy at times.

I like to push him as hard as I can because he is going to be a star.

I know I can do better so I've just got to carry on.

Let's hope so, because there's another three hours to get through.

Got a little sweat on today, haven't we? Good. Here we go.

MUSIC PLAYS

Now Mark's putting his elite troupe through their paces

with a back-breaking Latino-inspired partner routine

involving throws, spins and lifts.

That's it. You've got to get her...

Can you see how she's past my shoulder?

Layton's feeling the effects of six weeks out of the studio.

Go again.

But he knows pushing yourself to the limit is what it takes

to be a professional dancer and he's desperate not to let Mark down.

Boys, you'd best get your stuff together because the girls are tight.

It takes every ounce of grit and determination to keep up the pace.

Last one, we're done. The last one.

MUSIC PLAYS

But Layton pushes through the pain and makes it to the end.

The six weeks have definitely not been lost

because I was working, getting myself out there,

but I came back and I'm back on track with everybody else.

He's even managed to impress Mark, too.

He's done great today. He's a fit lad. He's got so much talent.

A lot of passion in there.

THEY CHEER

People, amazing today.

That, how you're sweating now, that's what I expect.

I expect you to be dripping. Cool.

-Thank you. See you next week.

-Thank you, Mark.

The road to success is never easy.

You can lose your way and your confidence.

But if you believe in yourself and don't give up,

it's never too late to get back on track.

Next time on School For Stars,

Tyler is presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I'd never have thought I'd be asked to do a Lloyd Webber scholarship.

I'm the only person here going for it.

Head girl Georgia is put under pressure.

-It's not your fault.

-I don't want to let anyone down.

Year 7 Johnny struggles to adjust to being in a new school.

You need to sort it out, yes?

-Anything to say to me?

-Sorry.

-I should think so.

This is life at the School For Stars.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd