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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Rebecca Cook

Noughties chart toppers Lemar and Jamelia reunite in Sky’s new Jacqueline Wilson series

Singers Lemar and Jamelia are set to star in a new Sky Kids drama mini-series adapted from Dame Jacqueline Wilson’s novel Little Darlings.

The noughties chart toppers once performed together at the Brit Awards at the height of their fame in 2005.

And now the musicians will lend their talents - and original music - to the four-part mini-series described as a fairy-tale comedy.

The story revolves around two daughters of rock star Danny Kilman, played by 43-year-old Lemar.

The first, 11-year-old Destiny (Janae Vito), lives in a Birmingham flat on a rundown estate with her mum Kate, played by 41-year-old Jamelia.

The second is Sunset (Diaana Babnicova), his oldest child with a different mother, who finally meets her younger sister Destiny in the series.

The drama unfolds as sparks fly between the reunited characters of Danny and Kate, played by Lemar and Jamelia.

The It’s Not That Easy hitmaker said he is very excited to be a part of Little Darlings (ExpressStar)
The fairy-tale comedy of the same name will treat audiences to original music from Lemar (PA)

Meanwhile, Destiny instantly clicks with her newly found sister Sunset and the two share a mutual passion for music.

Lemar said he is very excited to be a part of Little Darlings, adding: “Sky Kids and the team at Kindle have been amazing and getting to work alongside great crew, cast members, and friends has been a real breath of fresh air.

“I love what this show represents… something positive with a bit of humour for the whole family!”

While Jamelia said: “The opportunity to work with such brilliant up-and-coming talent, both on and off screen, has been a dream – not to mention reuniting with Lemar to perform again!

“I’m so thrilled to be a part of this funny, vibrant and important show.”

The cast also includes Kayla Mai Alvares as Sunset’s younger sister, Sweetie, and Cameron Douglas as Ace, her tiger-obsessed brother.

The series also stars Stan & Ollie actor Rufus Jones as Danny’s agent, with series writer Nathan Bryon, known for playing Joey Ellis in the ITV sitcom Benidorm, playing Kate’s hairdressing business partner.

Jamelia during an appearance on Loose Women (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Lucy Murphy, director of kids content at Sky UK and Ireland, said: “Dame Jacqueline Wilson is one of the UK’s most beloved children’s authors, so we’re thrilled to be bringing Little Darlings to life on our screens supported by the exceptional musical talents of Lemar and Jamelia and this diverse cast of talented young actors – this tale of family bonds, celebrity and sisterhood really has something for everyone.”

Melanie Stokes, head of kindle entertainment and executive producer and co-executive producer, Emma Stuart, said: “We’re delighted to be making this first Jacqueline Wilson adaption for Sky Kids and to build on our long-standing partnership with this great British children’s author.

“Little Darlings offers Jacqueline Wilson fans a fresh take on a much loved book, from writers Nathan Bryon and Jonny Wright.

“This, combined with the star quality and sheer talent of Lemar and Jamelia, creates a warm, wish-fulfilling universe that is firmly rooted in contemporary Britain.”

The mini-series will be available from February 11 on Sky Kids and streaming service NOW, adapted for screen by Nathan Bryon and Jonny Wright.

Sky Kids will also release a partner series on the same day called On Tour: Little Darlings, filmed as a vlog by sisters Destiny and Sunset from a luxury tour bus whilst on tour with their dad.

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