Rising talent appears in BBC series opener

Photo: Tony Blake

LEON Harrop (right) with Moving On co-stars Antonio Aakeel and Rosie Cavaliero.

OLDHAM College performing arts student Leon Harrop has made his latest TV appearance.

The 24-year-old from Royton played George in the first episode of Moving On shown on BBC One.

The daytime programme written by Cracker creator Jimmy McGovern is a series of one-off dramas linked by the theme of coping with turning points in life.

Leon, who has Down's syndrome, plays George who runs away to search for his adopted brother who has gone missing after being told he is to be deported.

He said: "I really enjoyed working on this production.

"It was good fun and everyone was really nice."

The former pupil of New Bridge Special School, Hollinwood, was described as a natural talent by top scriptwriter McGovern when he made his TV debut in his BBC drama The Street in 2009.

He then appeared in the three-part prime-time drama From There to Here starring Philip Glenister, which followed the lives of two families in the aftermath of the IRA bombing of Manchester's Arndale Centre.

This was followed by the comedy No Offence and The A Word, a drama about a family whose son is diagnosed with autism.

Leon is studying for a diploma in performing arts, technical theatre and music and is due to start filming the second series of The A Word next year.

Enthusiasm

His tutor Miranda Parker said: "He is an outstanding student.

"He's made lots of progress during his time at Oldham College; his abilities have gone from strength to strength.

"He clearly enjoys the performing arts and this shows in the enthusiasm that he displays when working on performances. Over the last 12 months he's played a pirate, a bouncer, Tweedle Dee and a disco champion!"

Leon's next performance is in the college's Christmas production of The Grinch!

Moving On is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.