Harrogate schoolgirl makes television debut in All Creatures Great and Small

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Imogen Clawson, 13, who attends Harrogate Grammar School, said she was ‘over the moon’ to be offered the part of Jenny Alderson in the new Channel 5 series, starring alongside big names such as Rachel Shenton, Samuel West and Callum Woodhouse.

The latest adaptation of the best-selling author James Herriot’s cherished collection of stories, written by Ben Vanstone and directed by Brian Percival, hit television screens with its first episode on Tuesday night.

And in another boost for the district and its tourism appeal, the programme was filmed against the scenic backdrop of Nidderdale.

Imogen told the Harrogate Advertiser: “I have loved acting ever since I was little and have been part of a Saturday drama group for many years.

“I signed up to an agency and they gave me some information about the part of Jenny - and I instantly loved her. She’s very confident and mischievious and I really connected with her, so I decided to go for it.

“It was my first ever audition and I gave it my best shot... which obviously worked!”

Imogen was given the part after travelling to Manchester for the audition and being invited for a call-back.

She began filming last September and was on set until January - but says the school was very understanding about the situation and offered her lots of help keeping on top of her studies.

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She added: “I have never experienced anything like it, it was really surreal.

“Some days I would be out filming all morning, surrounded by all these amazing actors and feeling like I was in a dream, then by the afternoon I could be back in school heading to a maths lesson.

“The teachers were all very supportive and got into a great routine of setting work for me which could be done remotely so I never missed out on anything.”

Imogen’s mum Jenny says it has been amazing to watch her achieve her dreams and grow in confidence.

She said: “We have been through it all... school plays, drama clubs, the lot. She has always known this is what she wants to do and she’s very good at it. We are very lucky that the school has been so supportive.”

The family, who were bursting with excitement to see Imogen on the screen, got together to watch the first episode on Tuesday night.

Viewers got their first glimpse of Imogen but will see more in coming episodes as her character develops.

Jenny added: “It was quite emotional watching the opening scenes and seeing how it was all put together. The Dales looked amazing and showed Yorkshire in all its glory. Imogen is excited for us to see more of Jenny Alderson and the rest of the cast...”

The veterinary drama’s reappearance has been long-awaited since it was announced last year.

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The programme will air on Channel 5 on Tuesday nights at 9pm.