THREE talented young actors are now aiming for the stars after being selected to be part of brand new Channel 4 programme No Offence.

Lauren Francis, Nicola Cook and Jordan Clarke, all of whom are members of the Palace Youth Theatre’s AIM group, successfully auditioned for roles in the new programme which is due to be aired next year.

Nicola and Jordan were employed as extras in a scene working with a professional, star studded cast. Along with their AIM mentor, Kevin Hunton, they played members of a drama group/parents or assistants for a scene in a rundown community centre. Lauren was also successful in her audition for a speaking part earlier in the year.

When asked about the experience, Jordan said: "The day we spent filming was a great experience. I’ve never worked on a film or TV set so it was great to see how it all happens. The food was good too."

Nicola said: "It was a long day but I really enjoyed it. I would definitely be up for it if I could do something like this again."

And Lauren added: "It was great being part of something new and I can’t wait to see the scene we were in when it comes on the TV."

No Offence is an outrageous but gritty police comedy drama set in Manchester from Paul Abbott, the writer of Shameless and State of Play.

Starring a female lead line up of Joanna Scanlan (The Thick of It, Getting On), Alexandra Roach (The Iron Lady, Utopia) and Elaine Cassidy (The Paradise, Harper’s Island) accompanied by a mix of tough but big-hearted bobbies, Colin Salmon (Arrow, 24: Live Another Day), Will Mellor (Dates, Broadchurch) and Paul Ritter (Friday Night Dinner, Vera), No Offence looks set to test the boundaries when a particularly twisted serial killer emerges.

AIM leader Mr Hunton said: “It’s a proud moment when you see talented young actors get opportunities to progress in the arts. I am extremely pleased to have been able to help them through AIM, accompany them during filming and to see that all the hard work they’ve put in is paying off.!

No Offence will kick off with a 75 minute opening episode followed by seven 60 minute episodes.

The AIM section of the Palace Youth Theatre focusses on performance techniques and skills for 16 – 25 year olds with learning difficulties. AIM’s next devised production is Bíta’ and will be performed on March 25 2015 in the Palace Theatre studio.

To learn more about Palace Youth Theatre and AIM, see redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk/palace-youth-theatre