Oakwood School youngsters star in BBC drama

Daisy Bernard (12), Jacob Skelly (13) and Ellis Busby (14) featured in David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy, a typical rags to riches which was filmed in Rotherham last year.

The Oakwood trio were put forward for the show by their drama teachers Michelle Bowater and Jonathan Jones, and after impressing the producers at a number of script readings and auditions, they secured parts in the show.

They featured alongside Connie Campbell, of All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield, actor John Thomson, Mr Walliams (pictured) himself and Catherine Tate in the show which aired on BBC1.

Ellis, who played the role of Izzy, said: “A producer from the BBC came into school and we had to read the script in front of him and the camera \_ it was really scary.

“We felt like we weren’t going to get on the show. There were so many other people who had auditioned.”

The youngsters then had to do another at the Montgomery Theatre in Sheffield and faced a nervy wait for the outcome.

Daisy, who played Gail Grubb, said: “When the BBC rang to say I’d got the part I was just so excited. I was running around the house screaming.”

The show, which is the latest of Walliams’ book to be filmed, featured scenes shot at Wentworth Woodhouse and Oakwood School.

It follows the story of Len, played by John Thomson, who makes £1 billion after inventing a new toilet roll.

His son Joe Spud is a lonely schoolboy who transfers schools in the hope of finding new friends.

The hour-long show featured a stellar cast including Walliams himself as a dinner lady and Catherine Tate who dates Len.

Daisy said: “The filming was a bit nerve-wracking because we were alongside some of the biggest stars from TV but it was amazing at the same time.

“It just didn’t feel real. We’d only ever done school plays and amateur productions before.”

The youngsters also got the chance to walk down the red carpet during the show’s premiere in London.

Ellis said: “We walked down the red carpet together and I think that’s when it hit home - that’s when we realised what we’d achieved.”

The group - who are now all friends - watched the programme with their families on New Year’s Day.

Jacob, who played Gavin, said: “I  think my family are really proud of me because I am in my theatre group and they know how much I enjoy performing.”

Ellis said it was “weird” seeing herself on TV.

She said: “It was surreal watching it back because you never think it will happen to you but now it actually has.”

Jacob, Daisy and Ellis all thanked Ms Bowater and Mr Jones for their support.

Daisy said: “Without the teachers this amazing experience would never have happened.

“They have given us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we can’t thank them enough.”

All four youngsters said they now hope to making acting their careers.