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A young Wigan actor landed her first starring role in a Christmas advert for one of the UK’s leading budget supermarkets.

Six-year-old Ellie Wilkieson from Spring View, who is the latest member of the acclaimed Wigan Willpower Youth Theatre to appear on TV, was flown to the Baltic state of Latvia last April to star in Lidl’s festive ad.

Sadly, the piece wasn’t shown in the UK but was broadcast in four other countries: Ireland, Greece, Czech Republic and Cyprus.

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Ellie Wilkieson, was flown to Latvia to star in a Lidl advert.

Ellie’s mum Amy said: “She started coming to Willpower in September 2021 and then her drama teacher Kate signed her up to Intercity Casting a few months later.

"It was her first ever audition.

"It wasn’t a long process. She did a self-tape and was due to go to London for a meeting but I couldn’t take her because I’d had an operation so she did it on Zoom instead.

"I was shell-shocked when she got the job.

Ellie pictured with drama teacher Kate Twist, right.

"We flew to Latvia for six days and had a fantastic time.

"She filmed for two days and absolutely loved it.

"They had to create snow because the weather was pretty similar to here.

“Everyone was really excited for her; it’s just a shame the advert wasn’t shown in the UK.”

Ellie, who attends Willpower’s infant session at Whitley Methodist Church, played the role of a little girl who is surprised by her brother with her perfect Christmas tree that she had drawn.

It was the St Patrick’s RC Primary pupil’s first time on a plane and she loved it that much, she’s been begging to go on another flight!

Ellie said: “At first I was a little nervous, but when I got on to my second day it was great.

"For my first time on an aeroplane it was pretty good.

"I like coming to Willpower for the acting, playing with my friends and meeting new people.”

Kate Twist, who is Ellie’s drama teacher, said: “It was brilliant.

"There is always an element of luck and she was very lucky.

"I couldn’t believe she got the job.

"It’s never happened before for someone to go to their first audition and get the job straight off.

"She’s a little character and a fab little actress.”

Young Wigan actor lands first starring role in supermarket advert at the age of just six

You can watch Ellie’s starring role here