TV stardom beckons for ‘natural’ Leon

A TALENTED teenager is gearing up for his big role on the small screen after scooping a lead part in acclaimed BBC drama “The Street”.

Leon Harrop, of Shaw Road, Royton, is one of 25 pupils from New Bridge School in Hollinwood to claim a part in the popular series.

The 17-year-old, who has Downs Syndrome, has been hailed a natural acting talent by award-winning series writer Jimmy McGovern.

Leon plays Otto, a teenager looking for his father Shay, played by Stephen Graham, of “Gangs of New York” and “This is England” fame.

Leon, who is now hoping to get an agent, said: “I was very happy to hear I got the part.

“It was an easy audition and I really enjoyed the acting on set.

“I would love to be an actor when I leave school and my dream would be to get a role in ‘Coronation Street.’”

His mother Tania Harrop (43) said: “A casting company came to the school in January looking for any boys to audition for the role.

“Leon had to learn three pages of dialogue for the audition and was up against 10 other lads for the part.

“It was a unanimous decision to accept him.

“I couldn’t believe it, things like this don’t happen to people like us.”

Leon’s father Dave (52) said: “We just thought it was a fantastic opportunity.

“We were sent a copy of the finished episode and it is so well done.

“When the episode airs, I’m sure it will get decent viewing figures because of the amount of people we’ve told!”

His grandfather Fred Cassinelli, from Ingleby Close, Shaw, said: “The rest of the cast were brilliant with Leon and made him feel at ease.

“Although he has never done any acting before, all the production team and even Jimmy McGovern himself said that he was a natural.”

The New Bridge students who also appear in the episode have a range of learning difficulties.

Helen Langford, head of performing arts, said: “The pupils had a fantastic time and were treated like royalty.

“It was an experience to remember for the students as well as their parents.

“We would be happy to repeat the experience.”

Leon’s episode of “The Street” will feature on BBC 1 at 9pm on August 10.