When Elliot was cast in the TV mini-series Small Axe, which won some Bafta awards on Sunday, 6 June, he was excited by the opportunity to work with a cast full of talented actors who had inspired him.

“Playing Valentine Golding and working on Small Axe was a blessing. When I auditioned I poured my blood, sweat and tears into the process and it was a blessing to be cast in such a powerful project, highlighting the stories of our community which have been untold.”

Working alongside director Sir Steve McQueen was not only a dream come true but proved to be a huge learning experience too.

“His attention to detail and specificity is next to none and working with him really helped me sharpen my tools and skills while educating myself on many historic events which shaped the Black British community.”

The six-part part series has already won, at the Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice and New York Film Critics Circle Awards. It has received 15 nominations at this year’s Bafta Television Awards.

Elliot spent all of his childhood in Newham, attending St Anthony’s Primary School and St Bonaventure’s Secondary School. As a young teenager, Elliot acted in a show called Heartfelt at Stratford Theatre Royal East directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair.

He also attended improvisation classes at Stratford Theatre Royal East, called Wingin’ it run by Karlos Coleman.

“Going to that drama club really built my confidence and enthusiasm for the craft, while offering me a safe space to create and grow with other talented young people in and around East London.”

He studied Theatre and Media at The Brit School for college, and obtained a first class degree in Professional Acting at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, graduating in 2018. Training will help but Elliot believes confidence is key.

“It’s important to believe in yourself and have an unwavering determination and resilience. Never give up because your time will eventually come when someone sees your talent.”

For his next role Elliot plays a character called Cappo in the film ‘Pirates’ which is set in 1999.

It is written and directed by Reggie Yates, developed with BBC Films and financed by BBC Films, BFI and Hillbilly Films.

Pirates will be in cinemas this year. Follow the Instagram page.

Wingin’ It… Youth Theatre – for 13 to 17 year olds – Theatre Royal Stratford East. More information here.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.