Arts / From school stage to Shetland series as Havana lands role in hit TV show
GOING from school pantomimes and plays to acting in a TV show that is seen by millions across the world?
That is exactly what local lass Havana Duncan has done after landing part in series ten of BBC drama Shetland.
The eight-year-old plays the part of Chloe Burnett, whose parents Chris and Hayley are visiting Shetland.
She has appeared in both of the episodes shown so far, with the third being broadcast tonight (Wednesday) on BBC One at 9pm.
Havana has not just appeared on screen but has spoken too – something that does not happen often for a local cast member.
Speaking to Shetland News about her rise to fame, Havana said: “I’ve done school pantomimes and plays, but it was the first time being on TV”.
She added that it was “kind of scary looking at all the cameras” but picked riding on a bike as one of the highlights.
The budding actress also praised the help and support from the other actors on set.
“They gave me advice for me not to look at the camera,” Havana explained.
She had to go through an audition to land the part, adding that she was a little bit nervous during the process.
But it appears she passed with flying colours, and now has the unusual experience of being able to watch herself on national TV.
Mum Mabel said she and Havana’s dad Ross are “very proud” of their daughter.
She described it as “just the first step” for Havana in terms of doing more acting.
The filming spanned around three weeks, and Havana even got a trip to Glasgow to shoot scenes there too.
“The whole crew were really nice to her and helped her,” Mabel added.
“They were like a big family.”
Havana’s performance has also attracted praise from those who put the TV show together.
Louise Say, who is the producer for series ten, said Havana “lit up the room at her audition”.
“We were thrilled to have her with us for season 10,” she said.
Say added that casting director Orla O Connor is always keen to look at acting talent in Shetland.
“We are especially interested to encourage young actors who may not have appeared on screen before,” she said.
“In season nine it was the two young Harris boys who acted with Vincent Regan playing John Harris the mussel farmer.
“And for season 10 we needed a young girl to play Chris and Hayley Burnett’s child, Chloe – Havana played this role beautifully.
“It’s wonderful to be able to give local young talent on Shetland the opportunity to join us and be part of our filming.
“We hope the experience of joining our cast encourages them to audition for other TV and film projects too.”
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