Young Whiteley actress, 9, is over the moon after landing a role in a major 2021 Netflix film

Nine-year-old Lexie Fretwell from Whiteley was overjoyed after months of auditions led to the young stage star making it to the final out of 3,500 children who auditioned for a part in a new film.

The hard work and effort from Lexie, who dances with Timestep Dance in Cosham and Portchester, means she will feature in the major film which will appear on Netflix in 2021, and cannot be named publicly yet.

Mum Megan Drain said: ‘Auditions started last year, first by sending off a video of her singing, then she was invited by her agent Paris Kids Talent Agency to Alexandra Palace in London, where this was just the start of the audition process.

‘She was recalled and had to learn routines, including singing, dancing and acting, six recalls and she made it to the final out of over 3,500 children, the final week she was up there for two intense days and we were then told to wait for an email.’

Proud grandma Allison Kellaway has dedicated the time to taking Lexie to each of her many auditions and helping her prepare.

Megan was out buying a new car when her mum Allison phoned with the fantastic news that Lexie had been cast in the film after the agonising wait following the auditions.

Megan added: ‘I am so proud, what an amazing achievement at her age. She took it all in her stride, made friends for life, most importantly had the most fun, and she did it!’

Lexie has loved being on stage since she was just two years old, and cannot wait for her first feature film appearance.

The nine-year-old said: ‘I feel really proud of myself, I’m overwhelmed with all the support from my dance teacher Sarah Williams at Timestep Dance.’

This certainly shouldn’t be the last public appearance for the young star, as she confessed that one day she aims to become a director, choreographer or to appear in more films.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news online - as well as fewer adverts, access to our digital edition and mobile app.

Our trial offer starts at just £2 a month for the first two months.