A talented Ipswich youngster will make his full TV acting debut this evening on ITV crime drama Marcella.
Asher Flowers, 12, stars as Edward Backland – the son of lead character Marcella Backland, played by Anna Friel.
The up-and-coming actor made a brief appearance in a photograph in last week’s opening episode, but will appear in person for the first time tonight, before featuring in two more episodes in the eight-part series.
Delighted mum Lisa Buckland said: “We are really proud of him – when the first episode aired we watched it with some friends and family and got very excited when we saw him in a family portrait in one of the scenes. He got lots of messages from his friends who were also watching.”
Asher first got the gig while he was a part of Ipswich Theatretrain, which had launched a partnership with Goldman’s Management to audition youngsters for TV shows.
He was soon added to the firm’s books and going to auditions, and after a successful audition in October for Marcella, began filming in London over a period of five days in December.
“He learnt so much because so much is involved in a programme like that,” Ms Buckland said. “We met a lot of really nice people, and he was quite lucky having his own trailer, but it was a brilliant experience.”
The family will be settling down together to enjoy Asher’s first in-person appearance, and with the series having been snapped up by online streaming service Netflix, the family is hopeful his relations in Jamaica can see his performance.
The Northgate High School pupil is now continuing to broaden his acting experience having moved on from Theatretrain to join the Wolsey Youth in January.
Despite his age, Asher has already been involved in a number of productions, including national Theatretrain performances at the Royal Albert Hall and O2 Arena in London, as well as a part in the Arthur Miller play All Our Sons at the Wolsey.
“I think he would like to continue doing it,” Ms Buckland added. “I have tried to teach him that each one is an experience, but obviously it opens doors.
“He knows that it’s a hard business to break and it is easier for child actors than adults but he will be on their books which is good.
“It’s just lovely and surreal seeing your son on the screen.”
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