A LIVERPOOL student will be following in the footsteps of James Bond star Daniel Craig.

Ellis Howard, 15, is making history as the first ever pupil from Walton secondary school Archbishop Beck to be awarded membership of the globally renowned National Youth Theatre.

Since 1956, it has showcased young talent on West End stages and across the globe, including Wirral- born James Bond star Daniel Craig, Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ben Kingsley.

And adding his name to the roll of honour is Ellis, who wooed officials on his debut audition, which included reciting a 2½-minute extract from Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, playing mischievous Puck.

As part of his membership, he was invited to join the National Youth Theatre for 12 days of acting master classes at its London base.

The invaluable experience, funded by his school, saw him receive tuition from professional actors and directors.

His National Youth Theatre membership means he will be automatically invited to auditions for major national and international shows.

And Ellis, who said he was addicted to the sound of applause at the end of a performance, said he hoped it would prove a major step to starting a career as an actor and hopefully a future place at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

The Walton teenager said: “It was a brilliant experience.

“I’m immensely proud to be the first from Archbishop Beck to be accepted and think it will hugely help my career and allow me to see the world.”

But the “gritty drama” fan is keeping his options open on future roles as “I don’t want to get typecast”.

And a more pressing matter is a bid to land a part in his school’s next production, Oliver.