Staffordshire Home Fires starlet aims for fame
She loves baking, roller-skating and playing football, but Francesca Randall-Tart's first love is acting and she has just landed her first TV role at the grand age of 10.
Francesca from Cannock is currently appearing alongside acclaimed British actresses Francesca Annis and Samantha Bond in the new Sunday night hit drama Home Fires.
The six-part series focuses on the women who kept the nation from falling apart while the men were aware fighting in the Second World War.
Francesca, who attends St Mary's Primary in Cannock, played a non-speaking part as a 1940s youngster in various scenes. Filming before Christmas in Cheshire, where the programme is set, and she loved every minute of her first taste of fame.
She said: "When I saw myself dancing on television, I couldn't control my emotions, I was so excited. It was strange but I loved it.
"I really enjoyed meeting the famous actors that I usually see on television. The village was great to go to and the clothes we wore were fun because people don't wear them these days."
The talented youngster, who lives with proud parents Louise and Lee in Newhall Street, started singing and dancing at the age of six after joining Cannock Chase Stage Academy and has since graced the stages of Her Majesty's Theatre, the O2 Arena and the London Palladium.
Before travelling to the West End to perform at Her Majesty's Theatre, she wrote to the Queen inviting her to attend the performance and although the royal politely declined, Francesca was thrilled to receive a reply from Buckingham Palace wishing her all the best.
Her brother Ashley 25, who helps with her publicity, and sister Holly, 18, are also hugely proud of their sibling.
Francesca said: "I've always loved singing and dancing and I've got a great teacher and friends at my dance class. Performing at different places has been a dream come true for me."
When she is not performing, she also finds time for her other hobbies - cycling, swimming, drawing, bowling, gymnastics and playing cricket.
But the youngster's stint in the spotlight has gave her the hunger to do more and she starts filming Danny and the Human Zoo for the BBC soon.
"It would be amazing if I was a full-time actor when I was older," she said.
