Future bright for Maghera sisters following appearances in hit television shows

A young girl from County Derry is continuing her journey within the television industry after being cast in two popular shows.

Brooke McEldowney is only seven years-old but already she has starred in three different TV series.

Back in 2021, the talented Maghera girl made her debut television appearance after being cast in BBC drama 'Three families'.

Brooke landed the role after her mum Kirsty received an email from a casting agency.

Filming took place during the pandemic and despite being just four years-old at time, little Brooke took it all in her stride.

Following the screening of the popular series, the St Bridget's/ Bunscoil Naoimh Brid, Tirkane schoolgirl received such a positive response and hasn't stopped since.

Not long afterwards. Mum Kirsty got another casting call for her daughter for Disney+ teenage drama series 'Almost Never'.

This time around Brooke's short script was done to perfection and it was another success.

Her parents Michael and Kirsty were both on the set of the show and were bursting with pride.

Brooke is also set to appear on our screens this Monday night (November 13) when the third episode of season three of hit television show 'Hope Street' airs on BBC1 at 7pm.

Brooke plays the role of Freya Mullan, a non verbal, autistic child with additional needs and epilepsy.

Her on-set cast parents are Irish actor and award-winning filmmaker Steven Calvert and Collette Lennon Dougal, who has previously featured in 'Line of Duty'.

“This casting has been the most challenging yet but as Brooke loves a challenge, no matter if its school work, a new dance step or sporting drill, she will put her mind to work,” said mum Kirsty. 

“Thankfully Brooke, being a very creative natural child, the role always gets done right.”

Brooke's talent and success has also inspired her younger sister Scarlett (5) to follow in her footsteps.

At the age of four, Scarlett made her debut appearance in BBC drama 'Blue Lights'.

Scarlett played the role of Mary Corrigan (pictured below, left) and even at such a young age the experience and fun she had on set was 'immense', according to her mum.

The reviews for 'Blue Lights' are phenomenally good, with one stating 'this thrilling cop drama is one of TV’s best shows. It’s gripping, nuanced, almost unbearably tense'.

The BBC show’s take on policing post-Troubles Belfast made it 'one of the finest watches of the year'.

Scarlett is now part of a casting agent and is looking forward to the future.

Despite a demanding schedule during filming, Brooke still managed to fit in her schoolwork.

“The early mornings on the road and days off school were very long and tiring for us both on set,” explained Kirsty.

“Brooke always packed her bags with her schoolwork and iPad so she continued with her work via Seesaw when in her own private on-set trailer. 

“Before agreeing to each contract I always explain to the kids their role. Of course Brooke and Scarlett are always ready for their script there and then.

“The girls are I have always been treated with such professionalism from on-set crew, catering, hair and make-up, costume, actors, actresses and beyond.

“We were chauffeured from each set and at every new set we met more amazing cast. Sean Glynn, the director of Hope Street, praised Brooke on every set, take and cut that she had roles in, finishing most days with the whole cast and crew applauding her and giving her bonuses, including sweets and goodies.

“Brooke worked so well on every set and worked hard on her self expression in her most recent role in 'Hope Street'.”

Kirsty says she is so proud of her daughters and believes they have a bright future ahead.

“It has been another wholesome experience for me as a mother,” she said.

“When each show is finally aired, it is only a small snippet of the journey we have been on.

“The experience for us all as a family is immense and all our family and friends are beyond proud and helpful with childcare with our three girls, when we are off and on set.

“It has been amazing how much the girls have done and there is yet still more to come.”

'Hope Street', 'Blue Lights' and 'Three Families' are all now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

'Almost Never' is available on Disney+