Local actor meets Tameside students

Students were in awe when local British TV actor, Leon Harrop, visited a school in Ashton.

Samuel Laycock were delighted to welcome Leon, from Oldham, into their school to inspire the Performing Arts pathway students.

The 31-year-old actor is most notably known for playing Ralph Wilson in ‘The A Word’ and its winning spin-off series ‘Ralph & Katie’, however alongside these he holds an impressive growing list of credits to his name.

Leon answered many questions that the pupils had regarding his career.

These ranged from the biggest challenge he has faced, top tricks on how to remember all your lines and advice on getting an agent.

He then taught them a dance routine from one of his scenes in ‘Ralph & Katie’, which the whole group loved.

Proving to be a wonderful role model for the students, Leon said: “A lot of children with additional needs are told ‘no’ and they think they can’t do it. But you can! Don’t be afraid, just go out there, aim high and don’t let anything or anyone get in the way.

“Acting is my favourite thing, it makes me happy. I love it and that’s never going to change - this is my dream and if you have a dream, you have to chase it!”

Having acted alongside the likes of Michelle Keegan, Maxine Peak and Steven Graham, Leon said one of his favourite aspects of his acting career is all of the different people he meets.

Upholding his prevailing message of ‘aiming high,’ he told the students of his ambitions to some day meet Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and appear in a Hollywood movie!

Louise Preston and Helen Wilson were both present on the day and were very moved, having previously taught Leon at New Bridge Academy.

The school commented: “We are so incredibly proud of Leon and when he agreed to meet the young people from the Samuel Laycock Performing Arts and New Bridge College Lumenus group, we were absolute delighted. We would like to thank Leon for taking time out of his busy schedule to come and see the pupils.”

Leon is currently undergoing a secret filming session in the North East of the country, so will soon be returning to our screens again.