TWO Bolton schoolchildren have swapped the classroom for small screen fame.

Charleigh Brierley and James Prentice have won praise from soap fans after starring in a special episode of Emmerdale.

The pair played younger versions of ITV soap sibling’s Cain and Chas Dingle on Friday night.

For St James High School pupil Charleigh, aged 11 from Stoneclough it was the first big role for the young girl who dreams of becoming an actress.

Mum Nicola Brierley said: “It was a dream come true for her.

“She has been acting since she was five and was absolutely over the moon to get the part. It is something she has always wanted!

“It was quite a big role to take on but everyone was lovely and she got lots of help and advice from the cast.”

Canon Slade School pupil James, aged 12 from Clifton, is following in his actor dad Mark’s footsteps and has previously appeared on stage at the Royal Exchange Theatre and in television adverts.

This is also one of his first big acting roles and sees him suffering at the hands of Cain’s drunk and abusive father Shadrach, played by Matt Sutton.

The episode reveals the siblings harrowing past as Cain, and his mother Faith, played by Jeff Hordley and Sally Dexter, visit his childhood home.

A flashback takes viewers back to the 1980s as young Cain attempts to stop his father from hurting Faith, now played by Fleur Keith, before she abandons the family home for good.

James’ mum Sally Prentice, said: “Having to play it with a Yorkshire accent was quite a challenge but he loved it.

“He had to wear protective padding which he found quite exciting and they really took care of them on set.

“It’s all he’s ever wanted to do and while he loves the stage, he would loved to be in a show like Emmerdale in the long term.”

The young stars went to Leeds to film the episode in one day and since hitting the screen it has received plenty of praise from reviewers and television audiences alike.

Charleigh’s family – including her big sister and little brother – all gathered around to watch the show as it aired.

Mrs Brierley adds: “We had a little party at our house and all sat round. She was very nervous and was holding my hand all the way through it.

“She looked brilliant and I showed her the reviews afterwards and she was thrilled to bits. The whole experience has been lovely!”