ITV has announced the winner of this year’s Tony Warren Drama Student Bursary.
Harry Chalmers-Morris, who is originally from Heald Green in Cheshire started his degree in professional acting at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) this September.
“I’m really humbled to win the Tony Warren Bursary, my first TV memory is watching Coronation Street with my gran. A massive thank you to ITV for this opportunity and Noreen, Carolyn and Gennie for a fantastic audition experience,” he said.
“All actors from the north west are indebted to Tony Warren. He has broken down so many barriers and his legacy will live on for years. I hope to make him proud”.
Tony Warren was a professional actor, before becoming a writer and creating Coronation Street. Shortly before his death, he told ITV about his wish to establish a bursary to support local actors from disadvantaged backgrounds to train at drama school.
“Harry absolutely delighted us with his wonderful mix of humour, charm and vulnerability; his passion and drive to never stop learning and to continually improve and hone his craft shone out right through his audition,” said ITV Casting Director, Gennie Radcliffe, who was part of the audition process for the bursary.
“I can’t wait to see what impact LAMDA’s world-class training will have on his already incredibly evident talent”.
Lyndel Harrison, Director of Development at LAMDA added:
“The financial support offered through scholarships and bursaries make a huge difference to the lives of our students. Programmes such as the Tony Warren Bursary really do help in breaking down barriers and training the next generation of creative artists. We’re so pleased for Harry and are delighted to welcome him to LAMDA this year.”
