JAMIE BELL (Billy Elliot)

makes his professional debut in the leading role of Billy. Bell is a hot young newcomer whose own story ironically parallels that of his character. He began his dancing career at the age of six and was discovered after a search of over 2,000 children. Now, at the age of 13, he has built a reputation as a talent to watch - but only outside his hometown of Billingham, because like his character Billy, he has successfully hidden his dancing talents from all his classmates.