Young actor Owen is on the way up

The Ravenfield youngster got his first big acting break fronting national newspaper The Sun’s Euro 2020 coverage and popped up last Christmas on Asda’s festive advert.

Owen (11) went on to land a spot in the cast of CBBC’s children’s home-set family drama The Dumping Ground, a spin-off from The Story of Tracy Beaker.

He plays Wes, a polite young lad who loves a cup of tea — but only if it’s brewed properly.

Mum Cheryl said: “His character is an old man in a boy’s body.

“There will be another series in the new year with some good storylines.

“It was a really good experience for Owen — he really enjoyed it — and it did well so I hope it will be recommissioned.”

Described as a “super hard worker” by the stage school talent agency representing him, Owen then bagged a part working with an award-winning director.

The short film The Phoenix of Gloucester was helmed by James Lucas, who won an Oscar in 2013, and starred Duran Fulton Brown, whose acting credits include the feature film thriller Jason Bourne.

Cheryl said working with top-level talent will “rub off” on Owen, adding: “It felt quite prestigious and he really enjoyed that as well.”

Owen’s list of credits is growing all the time — he has been picking up small parts along the way, with appearances in TV dramas All Creatures Great and Small, Traces, Sherwood and Dodger, a returning stint in the hit show Gentleman Jack, and a feature film debut in TV movie Marry Go Round.

Cheryl said Owen goes to regular school but has acting classes at the weekend with the Articulate Drama School and Agency and has his own agent, Stacey Burrows.

“He is still very grounded — we would never let him get away with anything else!” she added.

Cheryl and Owen also enjoyed a splash of film glamour this year, attending a special BBC centenary screening at BAFTA.

The roles are still coming thick and fast, including a part in a short film called Youthless for Channel 4 and another in long-running BBC drama Casualty.

While Owen might remain down-to-earth, mum Cheryl and dad Nick are keen to keep a catalogue of his on-screen moments.

“We record it when he comes on the TV,” Cheryl added. “Every time, it’s quite a proud moment.”

The Dumping Ground is aired by CBBC and you can find clips on the CBBC website.