Wolverhampton actor in film with Billie Piper
A Wolverhampton-born actor is hitting the big screen – starring alongside Billie Piper in a new film.
City of Tiny Lights will be given a special preview screening on at Cineworld in Broad Street, Birmingham, tomorrow before being released nationwide on April 7.
Black Country lad Antonio Aakeel plays a young version of one of the story's main characters, a detective called Lovely.
Also starring Riz Ahmed, who appeared in Nightcrawler and Jason Bourne, the movie is based on a novel of the same name.
It follows Tommy, played by Ahmed, who meets prostitute Melody, Piper, in a story described as 'utterly original modern noir'.
Antonio, 21, went to Dunstall Hill Primary School in Wolverhampton before going to Wodensborough Ormiston Academy before studying A-Levels at Mathew Bolton College in Sutton Coldfield.
He has been in Skins, Doctors and played a small role in feature film called The Contract.
He said: "I almost didn't get the role in City of Tiny Lights as I was initially up for the role of Riz Ahmed's younger self – and after six gruelling auditions they offered me another character."
On appearing alongside Billie Piper, he said: "At first it was a little daunting considering I've admired and become familiar of her work for so long. Once you get over that part - you realise she is very down to earth."
Antonio has also recently landed a role in a new feature film called Eaten by Lions. Filming is to start next week.
