TWO youngsters from a Bradford performing arts school have landed roles in a new children's TV show.

Tilly Kaye learned to read using Biff and Chip stories from the Oxford Tree Reading Books. Now she has landed a title role in a new CBeebies show based on the much-loved characters.

Tilly, of Birstall, and Isha Kaur of Idle have been busy filming the show, which sees Biff, Chip and their pal Kipper having adventures as a trio and with their best friends Wilf, Wilma, Anneena and Nadim. Tilly, who plays the lead role of Biff, and Isha, who plays Anneena, both attend Bradford stage school Articulate.

The youngsters are no stranger to television acting. Tilly has had roles in two of Sally Wainwright's hit TV dramas; she played Amy Sowden in Gentleman Jack, and is currently filming the second series, and she was also in Last Tango in Halifax, playing Calamity, the great granddaughter of Sir Derek Jacobi's character, Alan.

Isha, nine, is the voice of Frankie in Channel 5 show Pip and Posy.

As a fan of the Biff and Chip books, Tilly was thrilled to land the title role in the CBeebies show. “'There were numerous rounds to the auditions, which started before the pandemic and were then put on hold. The auditions were a mixture of workshops, face-to-face and some were over Zoom," she said.

"I couldn't believe it when I found out I'd got the part of Biff. I screamed and then danced around my living-room for about 10 minutes. I learned to read using the Biff, Chip and Kipper books. My mum and dad read them to us before we were even at school and we used to joke that I was quite similar to Biff.

"She's quite an iconic character among children all over the world so I feel very privileged to be playing her.”

Isha said: “The production was huge and it was so much fun. Everyone, from the producers, directors, wardrobe, make-up and the cast were just amazing. They were so welcoming and kind. I loved working on the set in the studios, it was a real experience to go out into different locations around the North West for filming too.”

Tilly has a few top tips for aspiring young actors: "Believe in yourself. Don't wait for it to happen - you've got to make it happen!

*Always follow the '3 P's' for auditions. They are: be Punctual, be Prepared and be Professional. Even if you don't get the job, you will have made a great impression.

"Keep training and keep positive. I've been taking drama lessons since I was six-years-old and got cast in my first commercial a few months later. I'm 10 now and I've worked hard on my acting skills at drama and have been lucky enough to be cast in commercials, pilots, two BBC dramas and now Biff and Chip.

"I've done lots and lots of auditions though where I was unsuccessful. I just think of them as a great practice rather than worrying if I did something wrong."

Stacey Burrows, owner of Articulate Drama School & Casting Agency, said: "We are absolutely thrilled that two of our students have been cast in such iconic characters.

"Both Tilly and Isha are exceptionally talented actresses and both are very grounded, kind and enthusiastic students.

"We can't wait to see the show hit our screens later this year."

* Biff and Chip will be released in the autumn on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer.