A Bradford school has a starring role in CBBC’s basketball sitcom

A young actress from Bradford has secured a starring role in new CBBC sitcom High Hoops.

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

Filming for the comedy began in June and will wrap up in mid-August.

Based in Halifax, the series focuses on the escapades of a girls’ basketball team.

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

Isha said: “Getting 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 to work with other great actors from across the UK.”

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

He also voiced Frankie the cat in Channel 5’s award-winning animation Pip and Posy.

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

A promotional poster for High Hoops (Image: supplied)

Bradford Grammar School headteacher Simon Hinchliffe said: “We are extremely proud of Isha’s achievements.

“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 am so proud of Isha.

“He takes his 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 to film High Hoops since she was told she got the part in February!”

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

She described her character as “a bit of a geek with her own charm”.

The 10-episode, 30-minute sitcom, written by Chris Grady and created by Sinead Fagan, stars 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 follows Aoife’s journey as she tries to turn around her new school’s failing basketball team and explores themes of determination, finding your tribe and being true to yourself.