It’s the start of a new year at Britannia High and the students arrive with bags of energy and enthusiasm, full of anticipation about what lies ahead. Amongst the new arrivals is small-town girl and performing arts school novice Lauren (Georgina Hagen). After the initial excitement of being in the big city wears off, she gradually begins to feel like a fish out of water as she struggles to fit in with the uber-confident and trendy city kids.

Lauren excels in music and drama, but she’s struggling to keep up in dance class. After her teachers warn her that she’s in danger of failing the class if she if she doesn’t up her fitness levels, Lauren embarks on a strict, unforgiving regime to catch up and fit in. However, her insecurities about her image and abilities are fuelled further by Claudine (Sapphire Elia) who’s seething with jealously after noticing Lauren has gained the attention of class hunk, Danny (Mitch Hewer) and suggests only a part in Hairspray beckons.

Lauren’s determined and focuses all her time and energy on dance lessons and working out. When the class are informed they have a dance routine to learn for a showcase that involves a lift, Lauren is paired with Danny and is frustrated as she fails to master the routine. Keen to boost her confidence Danny and Lauren meet up for extra practice and as they become closer, Danny enjoys getting to know the ‘real’ Lauren away from school. However, as the showcase looms and Lauren still struggles, she begins to wonder – is she really cut out for life at Britannia High?

The day of the student showcase finally arrives and Lauren’s panicking that she’s going to mess the dance up for everyone else and tells Danny she doesn’t want to perform the lift. Danny won’t let her quit, he believes in her and urges her to do the same. The dance begins and Lauren does the lift perfectly, but as everyone congratulates her backstage, she collapses.

Back stage, Lauren confesses to Principal Nugent (Mark Benton) that she’s been pushing herself too hard in order to be like the other girls. He reassures her that Britannia High is not about conforming, and she was chosen to join the school because of her incredible talent and her individuality. She should never feel any pressure to be anything else. All she ever needed to do was just believe in herself.

Lauren’s new friends rally round her, feeling guilty for not realising the pressure she was putting herself under. She thanks Danny for his support and as they seal their new relationship with a kiss, Lauren decides she might just belong at Britannia High after all.

Sunday, 26 October 2008, 6:15PM – 7:15PM, ITV1