The BBC have released a first look pictures for the brand new comedy drama Spent, written and created by and starring Michelle De Swarte (The Baby, The Duchess). The series is produced by BAFTA award-winning production company Various Artists Ltd. (Juice, I May Destroy You, Such Brave Girls, Sally4Ever) and launches this summer on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Part-inspired by her own experiences of the modelling industry and the trials and tribulations that come along with it, Michelle de Swarte stars as Mia, a former catwalk model who is on the run, mainly from herself. Long term it’s a story of personal renewal but for now, the stark reality is that her career is over, she’s flat broke and she’s homeless. This is a woman who despite her humble beginnings has become accustomed, possibly even addicted, to the finer things in life. Unfortunately, those lifestyle choices don’t carry much currency when you’re pushing 40 and permanently sofa surfing. She may have a highfalutin’ attitude and a world class skincare regime but Mia’s now living on the breadline. Not that she’s prepared to admit that to anyone, not even herself.
Alongside Swarte, the series stars Juliette Cowan, Amanda Wilkin, Matt King, Jamali Maddix, Karl Collins, Eleanor Nawal and Rachel Ofori.
Spent (6 x 30) is a Various Artists Ltd. TV production for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy. It is written by Michelle De Swarte and the Executive Producers are Jack Bayles (Catastrophe, Such Brave Girls, This Way Up) and Phil Clarke (I May Destroy You, Peep Show, Such Brave Girls). The BBC Commissioning Editor is Tanya Qureshi (I May Destroy You, Am I Being Unreasonable?). BBC Studios, who have a minority investment stake in Various Artists Limited, are handling international distribution.
Born in South London, Michelle De Swarte was scouted at 19 whilst working in Segaworld in the Trocedero Centre at Picadilly Circus. Soon after, Swarte moved to New York where she quickly graced the catwalks of all the major fashion houses round the world including Burberry, Missoni, Tommy Hilfiger, Cartier, Betsy Johnson, Michael Kors, and more has been featured in fashion spreads for Harpers Bazar, Italian Vanity Fair, i-D and V Magazine. Swarte’s career as a runway model stopped abruptly and she moved back to London with nothing to show for her time in the fashion industry. Having to re-evaluate her career, Swarte transitioned to stand-up comedy and acting where she has starred as a series regular in Katherine Ryan’s series The Duchess for Netflix and had her first leading role in Sky/HBO’s The Baby.
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