BBC3 goes after Summer Heights prequel series

BBC3 is in talks to acquire the prequel to Australian mockumentary Summer Heights High.

A spokeswoman said early talks had begun to buy We Could Be Heroes, a six-part series that was produced by indie Princess Pictures in collaboration with ABC TV.

We Could Be Heroes was the first series written and produced by Summer Heights High creator Chris Lilley. It follows five Australians who have been nominated for the fictional Australian of the Year award.

The nominees - all played by Lilley - include schoolgirl Ja'mie King, who also appears in Summer Heights High, plus twin brothers taking part in a world-first transplant operation and a former police officer who is trying to cash in on his fame after rescuing nine children from a blowaway bouncy castle.

The series was shown in Australia in 2005 and earned a slew of awards including the Banff World Television Award for best comedy and the Rose d'Or for best male comedy performance.

Summer Heights High was filmed in a genuine Australian high school and features Lilley playing the three main characters -  drama teacher Mr G, egomaniac bully Jonah Takalua and spoilt schoolgirl Ja'mie King. It is being repeated on BBC3 .