'We're pushing the boundaries'

Jimmy Akingbola on starring in a dramatic reimagining of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

- TESS LAMACRAFT

BEL-AIR

Available: Monday 14 February Season: 1 Episodes: 10 (first three eps from 14 Feb, then weekly) Run time: 60 mins NEW DRAMA

Three years ago, film-maker Morgan Cooper created a mock trailer imagining a grittier version of hit 90s US sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air set in the present day.

The video went viral and caught the attention of the show’s leading man turned Hollywood favourite Will Smith, who decided to team up with Morgan to turn his four-minute film into a TV series.

The result is Bel-Air, a 10-part drama launching with a triple bill on streaming service Peacock, available via Sky and NOW.

Like the original, the story centres on streetwise West Philadelphia teen Will (now played by newcomer Jabari Banks), who’s sent to live with his rich aunt and uncle, Vivian and Phillip Banks (Cassandra Freeman and Adrian Holmes) in LA’s swanky neighbourhood of Bel Air.

British star Jimmy Akingbola (The Tower, Holby City) takes on the role of Geoffrey, the Banks family’s ‘house manager’.

TV Times caught up with Jimmy, 43, to find out more…