BBC Three has acquired the UK rights to hit Australian drama Barracuda, based on the book by The Slap author Christos Tsiolkas,

The four-part drama series is set in Melbourne, 1996 and tells “a moving story about identity, obsession, desire, the dizzy heights of success and the terrifying risk of failure.”

Damian Kavanagh, Controller of BBC Three, commented: “BBC Three has a rich history in offering drama that covers issues that matter to young people, Barracuda fits that mould.”

Sue Deeks, Head of Programme Acquisition at the BBC, added: “Barracuda is a compelling, complex and emotional drama – beautifully filmed and performed.”

Watch the trailer…

The officials synopsis reads: “The Golden Age of Australian swimming is beginning and a scholarship to an exclusive boys’ school brings the talented 16-year-old Danny Kelly one step closer to his ultimate goal of winning Olympic Gold.

“Danny struggles to find his place in the prestigious social circles of Blackstone College, worlds away from his previous school. The school swim squad are not keen to include him on their team, inside the classroom or inside the pool. However, under the charge of highly regarded coach Frank Torma and a friendship/rivalry with teammate Martin Taylor, Danny is soon on track to become Australia’s youngest swimming champion, the unstoppable ‘Barracuda.’

“Soon, everyone has a stake in Danny’s success and as he swims closer towards gold, he finds himself being drawn into a world where the only thing that matters is winning.

“When Danny gets his shot at victory, with all of Australia watching – can the ‘Barracuda’ live up to everyone’s expectations and realise his dream?”

The cast includes Rachel Griffiths (Six Feet Under), Matt Nable (Underbelly: Badness) and introduces Elias Anton as Danny Kelly.

Barracuda will be available on BBC Three this winter.

Are you looking forward to Barracuda? Let us know below…