Asian Network air 'Big Brother' drama

The BBC's Asian Network has confirmed plans to air a Big Brother-inspired drama next month as part of its new season of programming.

The digital radio station, which is facing the axe under BBC plans, has commissioned a BBC Asian Network Presents... series of dramas featuring new and established talent.

The network plans to broadcast a single 30-minute drama every month, starting on September 1 at 6pm for Reality Check, which takes its inspiration from Endemol's Big Brother.

Written by Shai Hussain and featuring former Hollyoaks stars Lena Kaur and Junade Khan, the programme follows a young girl through her experience on Big Brother, as she uses the show to reveal her true self to her family back home in Yorkshire.

BBC Asian Network Presents..., which replaces the station's Silver Street drama series, is being made by Radio Drama Production at BBC Birmingham.

Other highlights in the season include Tajinder Singh Hayer's We're Not Getting Married starring Goodness Gracious Me's Kulvinder Ghir and Kris Kenway's My Friend The Bollywood Superhero.

Vijay Sharma, head of BBC Asian Network, said: "I am pleased that the Asian Network is leading on showcasing Asian writing and creative talent in the drama genre.

"As well as being entertaining, these dramas will reflect real issues, passions and stories, which touch the lives of Asian communities in Britain."

BBC Radio Drama producer James Peries added: "Reality Check starts in the pop culture of today's reality TV and then reveals deeper themes around identity, and some darker plot twists - ultimately becoming an intimate family story.

"Other plays in the strand will begin with a familiar touchstone, but then take the audience on an imaginative journey - telling a complete story in 30 minutes. Comedies, mysteries, drama, and musicals are all in preparation."

According to the latest listening figures, BBC Asian Network increased its weekly audience to 437,000 listeners in the second quarter of 2010, up from 357,000 in the previous three months.