A girl from Epsom has been nominated for a TV Times Award for her role in the hit BBC One Drama Call the Midwife.

11-year-old Francesca Fullilove has appeared in the show for the past four seasons playing Colette Corrigan.

Her mum, Teresa Fullilove, told the News Shopper that she was first cast back in 2021 after sending a self-tape to the casting directors.

Soon enough, Francesca’s agent got in touch to share the good news that she was given her very first on-screen role.

After four series of playing Colette on Call the Midwife, she has now been nominated for a TV Times Award 2024 in the favourite young actor category.

Colette and her family were “pleasantly surprised” when they found out and “couldn’t quite believe it” when they heard that she was nominated.

Teresa said: “It's just lovely for her to be nominated.

“I know she's up against a lot of competition - excellent competition - but it's just lovely for her to be nominated.

“Francesca was really surprised when she found out, she couldn’t believe it.

“She was like ‘really? Me?’

“She said there are so many other people who are so much better, but we told her it’s lovely that you’ve been recognised – she was really thrilled and surprised.”

The budding star has had the support of her former school, current school, family, friends and neighbours alike.

Teresa has found the reaction from everyone to be “so lovely”, adding that she is “really, really proud” of her daughter.

Despite appearing in such a popular TV show, Teresa is pleased that Francesca has remained humble and grounded.

She added: “She’s really chilled and she doesn’t make a big deal about it which is quite endearing really because we want her to be grounded we don’t want anything to go to her head and it hasn’t.

“Initially it was strange, but we got used to seeing her on there now.

“It’s great for her, it’s a great life experience.

“She’s mingling with so many different people of different ages from all walks of life, it’s really lovely for her.

“It’s something she loves doing and of course you want your kids to be happy.

“It’s lovely to watch her do her thing and I think she’s good at it, she’s got a talent there.

“I’m very proud to watch her get this experience – it’s a chance of a lifetime really.”

Francesca was seven years old when she first appeared on series ten of Call the Midwife.

Voting for the TV Times Awards 2024 closes on Tuesday, October 8.