In 2013, a script entitled ‘Boy Meets Girl’ won the Trans Comedy Award – the script has since been commissioned by the BBC to be filmed as a six-part series.

The show, written by Elliot Kerrigan, will tell the story of a blossoming relationship between 40 year-old Judy, who is trans, and 26 year-old Leo.

The comedy follows the life of Leo who struggles to hold down a job and is given a hard time by his mum Pam, played by Denise Welch. The opening episode sees him meet Judy on a night out, and he finds himself attracted to this intriguing older woman. They bond over drinks and, unfazed by the age gap, they arrange to meet the following evening.

This is the first time the BBC has a trans character, and actor, at the helm of a show, following a nationwide talent search for new writers to create a script that promoted a positive portrayal of trans characters.

Sophie Clarke-Jervoise, executive producer of Boy Meets Girl, said the sitcom was a commendably progressive commission by the BBC. “I think it is a real step forward. I just think people really just don’t know much about this. The idea that a trans woman might be in an everyday heterosexual relationship without it raising comment – I don’t think that is something that people really think about.”

“It’s been a challenge because we really want to get it right, and we’ve taken advice from members of the trans community, […] we are picking up from the point of view of a family who has never really had anything to do with a trans person, so they don’t know the terminology, and hopefully as they learn, it will be an educational process for the audience as well.”

This comes as Russell T Davies‘ shows Banana, Cucumber and Tofu introduced Bethany Black, the first trans woman to play trans in a recurring drama in the UK.