Collier Row rising star Bunmi is awarded a BAFTA scholarship.

Aspiring performer Bunmi Osadolor has won a BAFTA scholarship to support him as he pursues a career in acting.

These prestigious scholarships have been handed out to just 14 students throughout the UK this year – with Bunmi being chosen as one of the lucky recipients.

The former Performing Arts student, 22, attended New City College Ardleigh Green and is now on the BA in Acting degree course at East 15 Acting School.

Bunmi, from Collier Row, is hoping to follow in the footsteps of other New City College alumni, who include Jimmy Akingbola (film and TV actor), Sara Pascoe (actor, TV presenter and comedian), Michael Ward (Top Boy actor), Stacey Solomon (singer and TV presenter), Alan Davies (actor and comedian), Charles Babalola (actor) and Lee Van Geleen (West End theatre star) – to name a few!

He fell in love with acting at the age of 14 when the casting team of Pan went to his school – Bower Park – to audition boys for the show. For Bunmi, this was the moment he knew he wanted a future as an actor.

After GCSEs he applied for the Performing Arts course at Ardleigh Green, taking part in many acting workshops, theatre shows and college performances while he was a student.

He progressed to East 15 and now, in his final year of the degree, is delighted to be named as one of the BAFTA scholarship winners.

He said: “The feeling of winning a scholarship is amazing, but the fact that this is a BAFTA Scholarship just makes it even better! Knowing I don’t have to worry about the financial element of my studies makes it an out of this world feeling.”

Andy Greaves, New City College Deputy Group Curriculum Director for Creative Industries, said: “We remember Bunmi with fondness. He was a great character who had fantastic performance skills. The support he received at college helped him focus and stay on track to achieve and progress to his acting degree.”

Bunmi, who has recently completed a micro film with Idris Elba, will be mentored through his scholarship by actor Daniel Ezra.

The UK BAFTA scholarship programme was created to support talented people from all backgrounds to achieve their potential in the films, games and TV industry. As well as financial assistance from the Prince William Bursary Fund, scholars also receive mentoring support and free access to BAFTA events around the UK.

Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, said: “Our bursary and scholarship programmes are a brilliant example of how BAFTA supports and nurtures creative talent.  We are so grateful to our generous donors for providing these financial pathways to young people, for whom access to learning and opportunity might otherwise be denied.”

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