The Teacher season 3 director explains they didn’t want to ‘pit groups of characters against each other’ in gender politics drama

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Please be aware that this article discusses suicide, which may be upsetting to some readers.

In the third season of the anthology series The Teacher, a staff member becomes a suspect when a student at the boarding school takes their own life.

Director Dominic Leclerc explains that the story examines queer culture through the eyes of both young and older people. He adds that the film aims to thoughtfully contribute to the ongoing discussion about how language shapes our understanding of identity and representation.

In the show, Helen Simpson (played by Victoria Hamilton) is the new head of drama at Cheetham Hall. She scolds Dee Rainford-Thomas, a student who is struggling and uses they/them pronouns, during detention, and repeatedly misgenders them.

Though she’s challenged by pupil Cressida about her attitude, Helen is stubborn in her stance.

The story revolves around a growing and malicious rivalry between a teacher and student. After Dee tragically dies by suicide following a fight with her teacher, Helen, Cressida attempts to punish Helen for what she considers to be old-fashioned beliefs by resorting to blackmail.

As a film lover, what really struck me was how the story unfolds – it’s this incredibly gripping battle of wits between a student and a teacher, but it’s all set against a much bigger picture. It’s not just about them; it explores a larger issue, and that’s what makes it so compelling.

We started exploring themes of gender identity and how young people are shaping conversations around pronouns. The story is complex, and we intentionally avoided presenting a one-sided argument or creating conflict between characters with differing viewpoints, as that wouldn’t reflect reality.

Understanding how to use pronouns correctly is a process, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. Openly discussing it helps people feel more comfortable and less anxious.

Victoria Hamilton, known for her roles in shows like “Unforgotten” and “The Crown,” stars as Helen. She’s joined by Rochenda Sandall (“Line of Duty”) and Steve Edge (“The Madame Blanc Mysteries”), as well as rising star Alice Grant, who plays Cressida, and other new actors.

Her opponent consistently pushes her buttons,” Hamilton explained. “It really shows how the people who bother us the most often remind us of ourselves in some way.

I’ve always admired Helen’s skill as a teacher, she really connects with students. So it’s heartbreaking to see her confidence shaken when students resist the material she chooses. It feels like they’re questioning her ability to understand them, and that’s honestly terrifying for her – like she’s losing touch with what made her such a fantastic educator.

If you need to talk, Samaritans are here 24/7 to offer support and information. You can reach them for free by calling 116 123, emailing jo@samaritans.org, or visiting their website to find a local branch.

Season 3 of The Teacher starts on Monday, March 30th at 9pm. The final three episodes will air on three nights in a row. You can also watch all episodes online starting at 10pm.

Don’t miss out! Add ‘The Teacher’ to your watchlist on the TopMob app – it’s the best way to get daily TV recommendations and stay up-to-date on all things entertainment. Download the app today!

Authors

Abby RobinsonDrama Editor

Abby Robinson is the Drama Editor at TopMob, where she writes about TV dramas and comedies. Before that, she was a TV writer for Digital Spy and a content writer for Mumsnet. She has a degree and a postgraduate diploma in English Studies.

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2026-03-30 13:07