BBC Three are planning to launch their own edgy teen series aimed to attract the fans of Channel 4 soap, Hollyoaks.

Speaking to Broadcast, BBC Three controller Danny Cohen said: “If we feel they have made the script improvements we hope they will, we should get something green-lit over the next few weeks.

“It will grow over two to three years, which is partly financial but more about creative issues.”

The TV show is set in a Manchester hair and beauty academy, and is being written by a team of writers, headed by EastEnders and Casualty writer Daisy Coulam.

The show’s producer Ellen Taylor continued: “Mirror, Mirror tells familiar stories about growing up, finding your identity, and love, sex and relationships, but in a very distinctive, visual way.

“Tonally, it is influenced by American teen drama. It is glossier and faster-paced than traditional UK rivals, and we are taking risks with the structure with lots of jumpcuts, flashbacks and fantasy sequences.”

A BBC spokesman added: “Mirror, Mirror is one of several teen-focused dramas that we are developing for the BBC Three and Switch audiences.

“If commissioned it is planned as a 12-part series but it would be wrong to say it is being developed as a soap at this stage.”