A prominent TV actor, known for roles in Holby City and Hollyoaks, joined children on the red carpet for the launch of a new YouTube series.
Jeremy Edwards, who played Danny Shaughnessy in Holby City from 1999 until 2003, was on the red carpet at the Botleigh Grange Hotel on Monday to after appearing in the brand-new Ignite Your Spark series.
The first episode premiered at the hotel, with the project created by children behind and in front of the camera from UK Film Academy, a drama school based in Hedge End, Fareham, and Stubbington.
The series consists of five episodes sharing the children’s unique perspectives on how they see the world, many of whom are neurodiverse.
Speaking at the event, Jeremy said: “People underestimate the importance of learning on camera acting.
“I wish I’d had access to these classes when I was starting out.
“The confidence it gives you and the head start in such a tough industry is unparalleled.
“I’m delighted to be working with the team at Film UK. I predict great things for the children involved.”
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Students performing at the launch of Ignite Your Spark at the Botleigh Grange Hotel (Image: Supplied) Actress Louise Hart co-founded UK Film Academy 18 years ago and said she hoped the launch of the new YouTube series would be “only the beginning.”
She said: “It was a very special evening and is only the beginning of what we hope will be an ongoing series, made locally, to give young talent the opportunity to work together and be creative.
“I urge anyone who is aged between seven and 17 to contact me for the opportunity to take part as an actor, singer, or even part of the production crew.”
As part of the Ignite Your Spark YouTube series, students took part in a three-hour session each week before professional camera crews visited once a month to film each episode.
Annabelle Southwell, from the UK Film Academy, said she was made to feel like a "superstar" at the event.
She said: "It has been an amazing experience. I feel like a superstar."
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