Sophie’s going to be a Scottish soap star

Sophie Mercer: Scots soap role

A LEES actress has landed a leading role in Scotland’s answer to “EastEnders”.

Sophie Mercer, a former Saddleworth School pupil, was picked from 700 auditionees for the role of Alice in “River City”, a BBC soap which started in 2002.

The 22-year-old, who studied performing arts at Oldham College, will move to Glasgow for three months on Monday to film the 10th series of the popular soap, which focuses on the fictional town of Shieldinch.

She said: “When I found out 700 girls had auditioned I couldn’t believe it was me that had been picked.

“I screamed, then my agent screamed and then my mum screamed. I am really excited as this is my first major TV role. My family and friends are really pleased for me.”

Earlier this year, Sophie beat 3,000 applicants for one of the 30 places on the National Youth Film Academy’s (NYFA) Easter course.

She has also been an extra on BBC soap “Waterloo Road” and is currently working on independent film “The Lost Generation” which will be released in December.


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