Young actress lands role in CBBC sitcom 'High Hoops'

Isha Kaur Athwal, who is in Year 8 at Bradford Grammar School, has temporarily moved to Halifax from her home in Idle for the duration of the shoot.

The comedy started filming in June and will wrap in mid-August.

Based in Halifax, the series concentrates on a girls' school basketball team's escapades.

Twelve year old Isha, who comes home on weekends, balances her educational commitments and her fledgling acting career with the help of a chaperone and tutor on set.

Isha said: "Landing this role was exciting and another achievement to add to my CV.

"It’s nice to be involved in a project for an older audience.

"It’s fantastic working with other great actors from all over the UK.”

Isha, whose acting journey began at the age of five, has appeared in feature films such as The Runaways, advertisements including for Children in Need and Morrisons, and the CBeebies programme Biff, Chip and Kipper, in which she played the character Anneena.

She also lent her voice to Frankie the cat in the award-winning Pip and Posy animation on Channel 5.

She is represented by the Yorkshire stage school and casting agency, Articulate.

A promotional poster for High Hoops (Image: Supplied)

Bradford Grammar School's headteacher, Simon Hinchliffe, said: "We are extremely proud of Isha's accomplishments.

"She is a dedicated student who balances her academic and extracurricular commitments exceptionally well.

"Her role in High Hoops is a testament to her hard work and talent."

Isha's mother, Raj Kaur, said: "I’m so proud of Isha.

"She takes her responsibilities - whether in the classroom, in front of the camera or at home - seriously, all while having a great time.

"She’s been so excited about filming High Hoops since she was told she landed the role in February!"

In High Hoops, Isha plays Zara, the school basketball captain.

She described her character as "a bit nerdy with her own charm."

The 10-episode, 30-minute sitcom, written by Chris Grady and created by Sinead Fagan, stars the likes of Peep Show’s Robert Webb and Isy Suttie. 

The series revolves around the story of Aoife O'Neill, a tall, clumsy but unstoppable basketball player at a failing school.

High Hoops traces Aoife’s journey as she attempts to turn around her new school's failing basketball team, and explores themes of determination, finding your tribe and being true to oneself.