A LITTLE lad from the borough is about to make a big impact on our TV screens.
Tomorrow night, Emile Gooding, an 11-year-old from Earley, will appear on the second episode of Dawn French’s new ITV show Little Big Shots.
The talented schoolboy – who has two equally talented brothers – will share his extraordinary talent with the nation.
Little Big Shots shines the spotlight on some of the world’s most talented children. With no prizes at stake, no winners or losers and no competition, this programme is simply a showcase for 3 to 13 year olds to take to the stage and show that you don’t have to be a grown-up to be a star performer.
Each show will unveil aspiring young acts from the UK and around the world, with talents that range from black belt karate champions to classical music masters and miniature chefs. There are tiny dancers, young soul sensations, audacious scooter stuntkids and spelling bee specialists who are only just out of nursery.
Shown at 8pm on Wednesday, March 8, the episode will see Emile show Dawn some of his ballet moves.
He said that Dawn was very cuddly and funny.
“I was so excited to be taking part in the show and when I danced in front of Dawn she got all teary,” he said.
When Dawn French appeared on This Morning recently to promote the show, she made special mention of Emile’s dancing, describing it as “beautiful ballet, heart-breakingly beautiful ballet by a little boy called Emile.”
The youngster is already putting his talent to good use: he can currently be seen in a UK tour playing the role of Billy Elliot. His first show was in November and he is touring with the musical until the end of July.
He has also performed with the English National Ballet in Swan Lake at the Royal Albert Hall, has two older brothers who are also dancers.
Emile has actually performed alongside his brother Remi age 13, in Matilda in the West End. Emile was playing the role of Eric alongside his older brother Remi, who played the character of Tommy before going on to play the role of Bruce.
Remi has also starred in Thriller the Musical and has starred in an episode of Doctor Who alongside Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman, while Emile’s other brother Joel, aged 15, is part of London-based dance company, Avant-Garde.
The youngster attends Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire, whose alumni include Lily James (Disney’s Cinderella and War and Peace) and Daisy Ridley (Star Wars: The Force Awakens).
Talking about Emile’s success in the world of ballet and dance, mum Sedge said: “From a very young age, Emile has shown a talent and love of dance, which has culminated in Emile winning a place at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.
“While he is very driven and keen to be the best dancer possible, he is a very gentle nature and getting the place at Tring Park has allowed him to follow his dreams.”
Little Big Shots is on ITV on Wednesday, March 8 from 8pm
