A GROUP of Wirral schoolgirls will feature on a CBBC TV show.
Hoylake School of Dance students Skylar Calvert, 11, Honey Calvert, nine, Elayna Miller, 10 and Vanessa Walker, 13, were selected to perform on the fourth series of the show Andy and the Band.
The girls discovered they had landed a place on the show in July last year after casting company Ninja Pig Productions approached the dance school asking for pupils to audition.
Skylar Calvert, 11, Honey Calvert, nine with Andy and The Band frontman (Image: Eloise Calvert)
Filming for the show began in September with the Globe reporting that crews were spotted filming in West Kirby, Hoylake beach, Kingsmead School, Willaston Village, Hadlow Road Station, and Style and Beauty on Neston Road.
Mum of Skylar and Honey, Eloise Calvert, told the Globe: “The dance school was approached by Ninja Productions, so the girls sent off audition tapes and the girls were cast as dancers immediately.
“The girls have been dancing in Hoylake since they were five years old. Dance is their main thing.
Kingsmead School in Hoylake was transformed into the Rock Star School during filming for the show (Image: Eloise Calvert)
“Neither of my girls have much acting experience apart from being in the pantomime at the Floral Pavilion but once the production realised Elana and Skyla could act, they gave them small speaking parts as well.
“We’ve never sought out anything to do with TV but it’s definitely ignited something in them. The cast and crew were so amazing with the girls.
“It was long days. Some days we’d finish filming at 7.30pm and then we’d get a text from the director saying they needed them at 7am the next morning.
“The girls were made up but I don’t think they’ll realise how big it is until they see it on TV.
“If they weren’t in Hoylake they wouldn’t have got that opportunity. People know the standard and behaviour and the calibre of child they can expect and rely on from the school.
“It was such a lovely experience even as a parent watching and being able to see all the background. The children were professional even when they were being asked to do a scene 10 times over. It was amazing.”
Founder of Hoylake School of Dance, Clare Calder, added: "Myself, the teaching staff and students of Hoylake School of Dance are immensely proud of our four students achievement.
"They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I hope they can inspire more local children to follow their passion in dance and drama.
"We pride ourselves on teaching with excellence as standard. We look forward to watching our girls on the TV in the fourth series of Andy and the Band."
Described as ‘a modern day Monkees', musicians Andy and the Odd Socks consist of vocalist Andy, guitarist Rio, drummer Moxy, bassist Blu and keyboardist Cousin Mac.
In every episode, Andy and his musical mates embark on a mission or ‘odd job’ which involves them helping one of their fans.
Series four of Andy and the Band will air on March 24.
