Sir Lenny Henry’s latest TV project is a deeply personal one. Three Little Birds, which is set to air on ITV and ITVX this autumn, was inspired by the story of his mother, who travelled from Jamaica to England in the 50s, eventually settling in the West Midlands.

Introducing viewers to sisters Leah and Chantrelle and their acquaintance Hosanna, the series will follow the three women as they face obstacles to integration and grapple with their new lives in the UK.

Ahead of its debut later this year, ITV has now unveiled the first images from the show, giving us a look at all three main characters (which you can see below).

The left image shows Yazmin Belo as the Bible-loving Hosanna, with Rochelle Neil and Saffron Coomber as the more gregarious and outgoing Leah and Chantrelle.  

Here’s what we know about the series so far…

What is Three Little Birds about?

Inspired by the life-affirming stories of Henry’s mother and all those who have travelled to make Britain their home, Three Little Birds follows fun-loving sisters Leah and Chantrelle as they – along with their virtuous friend, Hosanna – board a cruise ship from Jamaica bound for an exciting new life in Blighty.

They are thrown together after Leah and Chantrelle’s older brother, Aston, asks his sisters “if they’ll bring him a potential wife from back home”, according to the synopsis, prompting the pair to persuade Hosanna to give up her job as a trainee nurse and travel to the UK. 

All three women have “strong personalities” and “very different reasons for leaving their family and friends behind in Clarendon, Jamaica”. They’ve all been told that “the mother country” is a land brimming with promise and opportunity. But, while the UK is gripped in a fervour over rock and roll, Hollywood starlets and fabulous fashion, our effervescent trio soon discovers that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be – especially when it comes to the weather.

It won’t be smooth sailing; far from it, in fact. But despite the setbacks they encounter along the way, the trio are determined to build a successful new life. 

Who is in the cast of Three Little Birds? 

For further insight into the must-watch series, lead trio Rochelle Neil, Yazmin Belo and Saffron Coomber shared their thoughts about their characters with Stylist.

Rochelle Neil is Leah

You might recognise Rochelle Neil from her stellar performance in HBO’s The Nevers.

“It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to give a voice to such a pioneering generation, in all their complexities,” Neil said.

“In many ways, Leah feels like a love letter to my grandmothers,” she added. “A chance to explore the lives of the women who led to me being here and who I am today. 

“I know they both would have been absolutely thrilled, as am I.”

Yazmin Belo is Hosanna

While Leah and Chantrelle are lured to the UK in search of new beginnings by their older brother Aston, Hosanna’s introduction to the story is very different.

A devout Christian and a trainee nurse, she is convinced by her friends to give up her job and travel with them to the UK – largely because Aston has asked his sisters to bring him a potential wife from back home.

Speaking about her character, Yazmin Belo (What Just Happened?) said: “The project is a truthful depiction and great homage to my direct lineage. Being able to help tell this story is an honour, I wish only to tell the truth.

“I am excited to be playing the role of Hosanna. Her humanitarian nature, tenacity and ability to not quite accept what is going on around her, are some of the attributes I admire about her.”

Saffron Coomber is Chantrelle

Saffron Coomber got her start in Tracy Beaker Returns, and the actor has described Three Little Birds as the project of a lifetime.

“I screamed when I found out that I was cast in Three Little Birds,” she says. “It is a dream come true. Chantrelle is the kind of character I’d only hoped I’d get to play one day.”

Coomber added: “It is an honour to tell an overlooked story of British history that is so close not only to my family but to so many, notwithstanding working with Lenny, who has been a legend in my home since I can remember. 

“I am constantly inspired by my castmates and the stellar crew. I am in awe of the project and can’t wait to share it – pinch me!”

Who is in the supporting cast?

Dodger’s Javone Prince will play Aston, Leah and Chantrelle’s brother. The series also stars Bobby Gordon (Hollyoaks) as the sisters’ new factory-worker colleague Shelton, and Arthur Darvill (Broadchurch) and Amy Beth Hayes (Black Mirror) as Chantrelle’s employers Mr and Mrs Wantage, who expect far more from her than just cooking shepherd’s pie and minding their three children as their new live-in nanny.

And, speaking about his spirited new show, Sir Lenny Henry himself tells Stylist that he has “been waiting to write this show for my entire life”.

What’s the inspiration behind the series?

The show drew on Henry’s mother’s “numerous stories about travelling to Britain by boat in the mid-50s”, he said. “However, the joyous aspect of this project is the way we as a team have created a whole new narrative environment so that we can tell a whole raft of stories. Leah, Chantrelle and Hosanna – as portrayed by Rochelle, Saffron and Yazmin – pour their hearts into this rendition of all our parents’ stories. 

“Our directors, Charles, Yero and Darcia, are supercharged and ready, bringing the whole thing to glorious life. I am so proud to be associated with these tales of cold streets, uniting in the face of the traditional obstacles, such as racism, misogyny, poverty and stolen moments of love, affection and sisterhood. 

“Big respect to everyone involved. Phew!” 

When will Three Little Birds be on TV?

The show is set to land on ITV and ITVX this autumn, with an exact date yet to be announced – we’ll keep you posted. 

Images: ITV; Chris Mann, Samuel Black, Michael Carlo (all headshots provided by ITV); Getty