YOUNG Dalton Jones’ Barnsley accent is already making waves on TV screens and Monday will mark his greatest achievement yet - playing the lead in a new BBC show.
The nine-year-old from Kendray has already appeared in multiple commercials and is the voice of Zac on Milkshake’s Pip and Posy.
His latest role in the BBC show Odd Squad is set to air on Monday - and he’s been down in London this week to watch the premiere.
His mum, Kelly, told the Chronicle: “He started at drama school when he was about six years old.
“He’s got an agency in Bradford and since then he’s been put forward for acting roles.
“His first commercial was for Uber and then he did a short film in London.
“He’s also landed a McDonald’s ad and the role of Zac in Pip and Posey on Milkshake and Sky TV.
“His biggest role is Odd Squad which comes out next week on CBBC and in Canada and America.
“It’s pretty exciting.”
But he hasn’t stopped there, his mum says he’s landed a huge commercial which will be aired all over the UK, America and Australia - but he can’t tell anyone about it just yet.
It was the opportunity to perform in the new Harry Potter TV series that really spurred him on but unfortunately he was too young.
That’s not stopped him, though - and his mum says he’s constantly putting himself forward for a variety of roles.
“There was a massive open call for Harry Potter but he was too young for that,” she added.
“We’re literally always up and down.
“We were in London on Saturday because he’s down to the final 14 for the role of Michael in Billy Elliot.
“He’s just recently landed another short film with a director from Leeds.
“It’s with a massive producer who’s done films for Netflix which is great.
“It’s a full-time job for him and for me.
“You wouldn’t believe how much I’m running about.
“This hasn’t come easy for him - he’s really, really worked for it.
“He does countless self-tapes and learning scripts.
“He gets more knockbacks than what he does ‘yeses’.”
Although the Barnsley accent isn’t necessarily the standard for TV, Kelly says it’s certainly helping him get noticed.
She added: “He’s got a proper Barnsley accent.
“When he goes down to London they’re not used to hearing it and it sets him apart.
“He’s a cheeky little chap.
“We’re so proud of him.
“He’s got two older brothers and a sister and they’re proud of punch as well.”
Dalton’s hard work has earned him a Young Champions nomination, and a full round-up of this week’s candidates can be found on page 12.
