A Cwmbran acting extra is celebrating after filming her first role in an ITV production that will be on television in 2026.
Cheryl Bristow, 66, has appeared in the background of TV programmes including Casualty and Pobl y Cwm.
Last August, her agent put her forward for a role in a four-part true crime drama, Believe Me. It tells the story of three of the victims of John Worboys, who preyed on women in London under the cover of being a ‘respectable’ licensed taxi-cab driver
Cheryl told Cwmbran Life: “I got it [the role]. I was a member of a jury, twelve of us. So we went to Dragon Studios in Cardiff. It’s on another level.
‘A different experience’
“They built a whole courtroom on the set. It was a different experience. Because you’ve got a role part, you get your own costume person assigned to you, you get your own make-up person, and you get your own caravan trailer.
“We all felt like super movie stars. It was another level to being an extra or a passer-by.
“I came home and couldn’t believe I had done it. It’s another achievement for me. They’re waiting for a release date now, early next year.
“I did feel a bit of glamour. I felt fabulous, I was on cloud nine, I still am.’
She said the storyline is “harrowing” and “powerful”, adding: “It was excellent the way they done it. I can’t wait to see myself in it. At least it’s on my CV now. I’m pleased with myself that I’ve achieved that.”
Her husband Gareth, retired this year. He drives her to sets, so in 2026 she’s hoping to go for more roles across the country.