If you've been in search of a new TV series obsession, Channel 4 may have just answered your prayers with its innovative new teen thriller, KISS ME FIRST.
The six-part female-led series which will air this spring is the first in TV drama history to combine live-action with computer-generated virtual world sequences. The show, which has generated a lot of hype on social media following Channel 4's special media preview screening this week, has been adapted by Skins co-creator Bryan Elsley from Lottie Moggach's best-selling debut novel of the same name.
Commenting on the show, Channel 4's Head of Drama, Patrick Wenger, said: “This is a thrilling and truly ground-breaking series which takes an emotional look at the lives of a group of young gamers and the truth which exists behind their online life. We are thrilled to be welcoming Bryan Elsley back to lead a group of new writers and to helm this exciting new show.”
So, what exactly is the storyline?
According to the creators, the series explores young gamers as they deal with social media and self-image. More specifically, it tells the story of Leila, a lonely 17-year-old girl who is addicted to the fictional online gaming site, Agora. In the virtual world of the game, Leila meets Tess, a cool and confident party girl who harbours a dark secret.
The two soon meet in real life and become friends. However, things take a wrong turn when Tess vanishes and Leila decides to take her identity. She is then drawn into unravelling the mystery behind her disappearance.
Lead character, Leila, is played by the rising British actress Tallulah Haddon - viewers may recognise her from the BBC dramas The Living and the Dead and Taboo. Meanwhile, Tess is played by Simona Brown, who has previously starred in BBC crime miniseries The Night Manager.
Kiss Me First will air on Channel 4 and on Netflix for audiences outside of the UK from 2nd April.
