A DREAM has come true for a gifted TV actress.

After training at Italia Conti in London, Sophie Osborne landed her first screen role in the BBC detective series Dalziel & Pascoe and has appeared in Emmerdale.

The 37-year-old from Winsford is now hoping to inspire budding thespians.

Northwich Guardian:

Actress Sophie Osborne has worked in television for the BBC and ITV and appeared in several TV commercials

She has set up a new business, Stage and Screen Acting Classes at Brio in Memorial Court,Northwich.

"I'm really passionate about acting," said Sophie, who has made numerous appearances in plays, films and TV. "I've always wanted to teach. This is something I've been thinking about for a long time.

"There are lots of drama classes for children but not many that focus on adults and TV. Acting for camera is very different from acting on stage. It is a completely different skill."

Sophie will cater for children from the age of five but is keen to encourage adults to follow in her footsteps.

"Drama is such a great way to gain confidence, be creative and meet like minded people," she said.

"I wish there had been something like this when I was younger."

Northwich Guardian:

Sophie Osborne is passionate about acting and wants to share her skills and expertise with others

Sophie's love of acting was nurtured at Hebden Green School when she was only four.

She joined an amateur dramatics group at Wharton Church and took a year out working in three jobs to fund her determination to study at drama school.

"I just love acting," said Sophie. "I used to be quiet as a child. Drama and acting helped me to get out of my shell. It helps you in life.

"I know a few people who have to do presentations in their jobs and it terrifies them. They are sick beforehand. Acting is a great tool for people lacking in confidence."

Sophie plans to work with small groups so everyone gets plenty of individual tuition and pass on practical tips and techniques she has developed working on TV sets over the years.

Northwich Guardian:

Sophie Osborne trained for three years at Italia Conti Drama School in London

"There won't be any sitting around for people in the classes. Whilst one person is in front of the camera, the rest will share a film crew's job, understanding what goes on behind the camera and learning how everything works. It will be a lot of fun."

A showcase will be staged at the end of each term to give students a chance to perform in front of their family and friends.

It will give anyone wishing to become actors the chance to invite agents.

"It was very nerve wracking when I did my first TV job," said Sophie. "But I absolutely loved every minute of it."

The late Warren Clarke who played DS Andy Dalziel took her under his wing.

Sophie wrote her own one-woman Bridget Jones' comedy show, Kissing Frogs and it became a nationwide success as she toured across the country.

She is appearing in Twits, Wits and Bawdy Baskets, a comedy about travelling vagabonds at Winsford Theatre Space on May 4, Davenham Theatre on May 17 and 18 and the Lion Salt Works on June 14.

"I knew I wanted to be an actor from a very young age," said Sophie. "I would have loved for some guidance and advice.

"My aim now is to enable everyone who comes to my classes to get what they want from it. Whether they want to act and develop a professional career, gain confidence or just have fun and act as a hobby, I will do all I can to help them."

Sophie's classes will be held in the green room at Brio Leisure on weekday evenings starting on Monday, April 29.

For further details email stageandscreenacting@gmail.com or visit stage and screenacting.weebly.com.