Teenage Actor Looking Forward To Filming New Series Of BBC Show

A talented young actor is hoping the next series of a popular BBC children’s television show will go ahead this summer.

Connor Elliott, 14 and a student at Bradford Grammar School (BGS), spends most of his summers filming for the CBBC sketch show Class Dismissed, which has just been commissioned for a seventh series. The show follows four Year 9 pupils as they grapple with everyday life with extraordinary teachers.

Connor, of Drighlington, near Leeds, has been acting and singing since he was four and secured his first part alongside theatre star Jason Donavan for the UK tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert when he was aged just seven.

The teenager has been part of the Class Dismissed cast for two years and has also appeared on stage with CBBC’s Mr Tumble, where he had to deliver his performance using Makaton sign language for his young audience. He has taken part in the children’s version of the television show Gogglebox and his most recent achievement is landing a part in Wakefield Theatre Royal’s production of Oklahoma.

Connor has already passed with distinction his Grade 5 in Music Theatre and has a Grade 5 singing award from The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). He said he was one of the lucky few who wasn’t affected by nerves on stage or screen.

He said:
“I really enjoy filming Class Dismissed, it’s absolutely hilarious to do. You have to act like you’re in a normal school class. I’ve made a lot of friends and there are some really great actors which are part of it. Some of them have been acting for years so it’s a good opportunity to learn from them. We’re just hoping that filming will still be able to go ahead this year.”

The teenager said he’s the only one in the family to enjoy the acting bug so far.

“My parents keep my feet on the ground,” he said.

“At the minute acting is just a hobby but we’ll see. I prefer looking at an audience so theatre is where my heart is, and I love singing, but I also love television. I’m just enjoying school for now and all the activities I can do there.”

Dr Simon Hinchliffe, BGS headmaster, said:
“Everyone at Bradford Grammar School is delighted to see Connor’s acting career prosper. Striking a balance between academic studies and wider interests pursued at school, and activities and passions followed beyond the school gate, is vital. Life should be rich and rewarding at all ages, and at BGS we help our children to achieve that. Well done, Connor!”