In a move sure to devastate fans, the has announced that the hit comedy-drama will be coming to an end - despite its perfect 100 per cent score on .

The , which follows five Black teens from inner-city London as they navigate life at an elite boarding school, made waves when it first aired last year getting praise for its bold storytelling, sharp humour, and powerful themes.

After a widely celebrated second series, which landed earlier this year, the broadcaster has now confirmed that a third season is officially in the works - but heartbreakingly, it will also be the show's final outing.

Filming for the six-episode finale kicks off later this year, with fans having to wait until 2026 to see how the story ends.

All five of the breakout stars - Jodie Campbell, Sekou Diaby, Aruna Jalloh, Myles Kamwendo and Josh Tedeku - will return for the final chapter, alongside Boarders creator and writer Daniel Lawrence Taylor, who reprises his role as the students' mentor, Gus.

In a major milestone, Daniel will also step behind the camera for the very first time, directing the emotional last episode.

Set during the students' final term at fictional St Gilbert's, the farewell season will see tensions rise as exams loom and the pressure to plan for the future reaches fever pitch. But a new rivalry with a neighbouring school, where their friend Abby (Assa Kanoute) has transferred, threatens to throw everything into chaos.

Familiar faces returning for the final season include Niky Wardley as no-nonsense teacher Carol Watlington-Geese, as well as Tallulah Greive, Rosie Graham and Zheng Xi Yong as fellow students Beatrix, Florence and Xiang.

Speaking about the show's final stretch, Daniel said: "Boarders has been a deeply personal project for me and it's been incredible to see how audiences have connected with the characters. From day one, I wanted to create something funny, honest, and proudly Black - and in this final term, I hope to finish their story as they face their final year with greater challenges, deeper friendships and the looming question of life beyond school."

Fans of the show - many of whom have called it the "best thing on the BBC" - will remember how series two introduced a fiery new headmistress, Carol Watlington-Geese, played by star Niky Wardley, as she threatened to shake up the dynamic by trimming the scholarship group down to just three.

The season also featured jaw-dropping cameos from EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy and The Traitors US host Alan Cumming, much to viewers' delight.

On Rotten Tomatoes, one ecstatic fan wrote: "Best show on the BBC. Funny comedy while there also being serious topics being covered. I would recommend this to anyone."

Boarders is available to stream now on BBC Three and iPlayer.