A TALENTED drama student is on the road to stardom after landing top film and TV roles.

Yusuf Hofri, 16, who studies at South Essex College, was chosen to play an injured footballer in BBC drama Casualty.

He got to meet veteran cast members and gained an insight into the industry.

The teenager, from Basildon, said: “It was a surreal experience acting alongside the cast, especially Derek Thompson who plays Charlie who is instantly recognisable because he’s been there from the start. The set was amazing too and it gave me another great insight into working in the industry.”

Yusuf is most recognised for his starring role alongside Sacha Baron Cohen in the 2016 film Grimsby - which was shot in Tilbury.

He played Shlomo Khalidi, a Middle East peace symbol.

He has also played smaller, uncredited roles in The Huntsman: Winter’s War and Jason Bourne.

When he was 11-years-old, Yusuf signed for a modelling agency before landing on-screen roles.

He decided he wanted to pursue his dream of becoming an actor and enrolled on to the performing arts course.

He said: “I had some roles before starting at the College in September, but already I feel the course has given me so much and helped me get the role in Casualty.

“The course has made me a much more confident person and helped me expand on my different acting techniques, making me a more versatile actor suitable for different roles.

“My tutors are amazing and have really helped me progress in a short amount of time.

“I’m looking forward to what the future brings.”

Yusuf is currently involved with other exciting projects - but is remaining tight-lipped.

Course leader Jay Clinton praised Yusuf for his achievements.

He said: “It’s always exciting to see our students develop and go on to do great things. Even early on in his course, Yusuf has proved that there are opportunities available for students to showcase their talents.”