A ROLE as an extra in a new ITV Second World War drama is just the job for a performing arts student.
Robert Tempest, 19, from Ellesmere Port, is studying an HNC at West Cheshire College and has joined the film crew for a new series called Home Fires (formerly known as Jambusters).
He said: “My tutor Paul Moss has a Facebook group for all students and he posted the audition opportunity for Home Fires.
“I was delighted to get a role as an extra in the drama playing a soldier and a cricket player.
“It’s about the lives of women in a Cheshire village during the Second World War so it was really interesting.”
He added: “Filming was such a great experience.
“It was fascinating to see what the set was like, what key roles everyone plays from the director to the camera men.
“I got to meet some famous people and I also made some really good contacts in the industry.”
Robert says he received good feedback about his professionalism during filming and has been invited back to do some more extra work for the drama.
“I wouldn’t have had this experience without the college.
“They have really helped build my confidence and skills in acting, singing and dancing,” he explained.
In the future Robert wants to become a teacher to inspire young people in the same way he has been inspired by his college tutors.
Paul Moss, programme leader in performing arts at the college, said: “It’s brilliant news that Robert has secured a role as an extra in Home Fires.
“It is such a fantastic opportunity for him to be involved in this and it will be a great learning experience for him.
“Many of our students go on to secure roles in TV, adverts and theatre which is credit to the high calibre of students we have here at the college and to the level of training provided on the course.”
Home Fires is scheduled to be shown on ITV early next year. Starring will be British actresses Francesca Annis and Samantha Bond.
Home Fires is inspired by the non-fiction book Jambusters, written by Julie Summers, who is delighted she has secured an Alfred Hitchcock-style role in the drama.
She said: “I am thrilled to be appearing in a cameo role as a WI county organiser. My grandmother, a life-long WI member, would undoubtedly approve of me wearing a hat.”
