Since Carrie Bradshaw came off the market, there’s been a hole in TV land just waiting for an eligible single lady to fill.
Enter TV’s latest leading lady: Melburnian and TV breakfast producer Lily.
Along with best friend and unfortunate hook up Pete, coworker and celebrity chef Jack, and her ever intriguing and sexually adventurous roommate Simone, this single lady is ready to navigate the world of romance and career in Channel 10’s new drama The Wrong Girl.
And at the heart of this crazy world of 21st century dating are two WA actors, ready and waiting to bring TV rom-com to the masses once again.
Perth’s Jessica Marais – a face that’s more than familiar - and Collie’s Ian Meadows – although less recognisable, he’s still appeared in shows such as Rush and Rake – take to the screens as Lily and Pete.
Predominately set behind the scenes of a breakfast TV show – which Meadows points out it’s perfect for such a “morning TV focused country” – The Wrong Girl is walking in the same shoes as Sex and the City and Secret Life of Us.
But while it’s a nod to this undeniably modern drama, there is also a fresh authenticity to its characters.
“It’s nice to be a part of a linage of shows that have dealt with similar stuff,” Meadows said.
“There are classic triangles and love stories in this show that have been visited in other shows but we did want to bring a freshness to that world and make it something that people in their 20s and early 30s can identify with.”
“The book is very centered around Lily and her single life but we can also look at men who have reached a certain age and are facing certain things in their lives that other guys can relate to,” Marais added.
“It’s been great that we’ve been able to flesh those out I guess.”
Adapted from the Zoe Foster Blake book of the same name, The Wrong Girl has already got some following among ‘chick lit’ fans – including Marais herself.
But while it will have the same heart as its literary form, the storyline won’t follow the same plot points.
“I think it was almost serendipitous that I read this book when I found myself single and 30 and juggling a career, and – well Lily doesn’t have a child - but it was circulating and talking about it and the relatability of it was really refreshing,” Marais said.
“Lily was a really real character and seemed really authentic.
“That sort of perception that you’re either a high power who’s successful at their job or your life’s a mess - that’s just a two dimensional way of looking at things.”
The Wrong Girl airs Wednesday, 8.30pm, Channel 10.
