A TEENAGER at a Bradford theatre school has made her TV debut starring in popular drama Waterloo Road.

Chiamaka Ulebor, 14, plays Shola Aku, described as a “fiery girl quick to fight for what she believes to be right”.

The series, set in a Greater Manchester secondary school, has returned after a seven-year hiatus. Starring Angela Griffin, Kym Marsh and Adam Thomas, it tackles social issues including teen homelessness, knife crime, racism, eating disorders and refugee children.

Chiamaka, who attends Articulate in Bradford, was initially daunted by the prospect of such a large role. “I was nervous having to live up to such an amazing show but we worked hard and made ourselves proud,” she says. “At first it was nerve-wracking being on set because I’d never done it before. Everyone was really kind, being on set feels like home now.”

Chiamaka started acting aged nine. “I really enjoyed school plays so I asked my mum if she’d put me into drama classes, she said she would if I did well in school. I did and I ended up at Articulate. I joined the Articulate agency too which was exciting.”

Waterloo Road was quite new to Chiamaka when she was invited to submit a self-tape - a recorded audition. “I’d heard of it but hadn’t really watched it until I did the self-tape. I ended up watching it and really enjoyed it!” she says.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Chiamaka feels a connection to the series Chiamaka feels a connection to the series (Image: Submitted)

Now she feels a connection to the series, which she says represents real-life challenges of people her age: “I think the themes covered in the show are relatable and can make you feel like you’re not alone. You can see what you’re going through being represented on TV.”

Behind the scenes, the cast are close, says Chiamaka: “My favourite thing about the show is the big cast and everyone coming from different backgrounds. Everyone is so funny and welcoming. We have fun in the make-up room, we’re always having sing-alongs in there, which I love”

She adds: “Working with big actors like Angela Griffin and Adam Thomas was nerve-wracking at first but they’ve become great role models and are extremely supportive.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Chiamaka says Waterloo Road tackles issues affecting people her age Chiamaka says Waterloo Road tackles issues affecting people her age (Image: Submitted)

Articulate principal Stacey Burrows said: “Chiamaka is going far. We’re very proud of her. She’s an outstanding actress and gives everything her all. Waterloo Road is such an iconic TV series, it’s full of energy and explores current issues.”

Chiamaka isn’t the only Bradford connection to Waterloo Road. Also in this series is Rachel Leskovac, as English teacher Coral Walker, and Katie Griffiths as Chlo Grainger. Rachel, who went to St Joseph’s College in Manningham, has been in Last Tango in Halifax and Coronation Street. Katie, who attended Idle theatre school Stage 84, was in Bafta-nominated TV film Coming Down The Mountain and Only Fools and Horses prequel Rock & Chips. She was in the first series of Waterloo Road, in 2006, reprising her role as Chlo in this year’s comeback series.