A SCHOOLGIRL has swapped Kearsley for Hollyoaks as she becomes a regular face in our living rooms.

Erin Palmer had no idea when she auditioned for her first television role that she would become a mini soap star.

The nine-year-old St Stephen's Primary School pupil was shocked to bag the part of Ella Richardson on Channel 4's Hollyoaks and her first episodes aired just last month.

She joined Sarah Jayne Dunn, aka Mandy Richardson, and Gary Lucy, aka – Lucas 'Luke' Morgan – as Sarah's onscreen daughter as the pair returned to the famous Cheshire suburb.

Erin's mum and dad Karen and Phil, chaperoned her on set.

Mrs Palmer said: "They have been absolutely amazing, they couldn't do enough for her. Everyone from crew to actors have been so kind and friendly, it is just an amazing experience for her.

"There are full days of shooting. She gets up at six in the morning, make up at 8am and then filming at 9am and that does not finish until 2pm or sometimes7pm.

"It is just another world entirely. She had never watched it before and was oblivious to who the actors were at first but then after watching some episodes she became really star struck!

"The day her first episode aired we had a little party and all sat down to watch it. When she came on screen we were all screaming.

"She doesn't like watching herself on TV and has hardly told any friends. She is very modest and has kept her feet on the ground."

Erin is part of the Bolton Drama Company and Dawson's Academy of Dance and Stage, whose in-house agency put her forward for the Hollyoaks audition.

It was her first one and due to the number of children taking part, Erin and her family just went for the experience – however while on holiday this June they got the call and had to cut the break short to get back for filming.

In her first episodes Erin's character has been put into care – kidnapped back – and put back into care again!

But it's not all doom and gloom as the Hollyoaks team surprised the young actress on her birthday on June 23.

Mrs Palmer said: "She had just finished filming a scene and I was thinking this is taking longer than usual to get the all clear – then suddenly everyone started singing happy birthday.

"Sarah came in on her day off with her baby and there was a cake. Erin's face was in complete shock. Sarah and Gary even got her a few things, they couldn't have made it any more of a wonderful birthday for her.

"Sarah, Gary and Erin get on so well. They have a secret handshake and joke around, which helps them bond on screen.

"Erin's role is really sorrowful and sad but in the future I think we will see what she is made of!"

Since appearing in the soap, Erin, who is little sister to 12-year-old Caitlin, has been spotted while out and about with family but life continues and she has returned to school at the start of the new term.

However, now classed as a "series regular" she will be returning to the cameras soon for more filming as her character is set to play a big role in future episodes.