Tune in to see South Shields actor on BBC comedy tonight

Christopher John Slater is starring in Broken Biscuits as Tom alongside Warren Brown who plays his brother and carer Martin.

Christopher John Slater has spent years in the role of Frank in CBBC shows Tracy Beaker Returns and The Dumping Ground.

But the 23-year-old is taking on a very different role in a comedy show on BBC One tonight.

Christopher, a former pupil of Bamburgh School in South Shields, has cerebral palsy, a movement disorder causing physical disability, but he hasn’t let that stop him pursuing a career on the small screen.

He’s set to appear in comedy show Broken Biscuits, which airs at 10.35pm tonight.

The show, dubbed “funny, touching and twisted” by the channel, follows five groups of people.

Christopher stars as Tom, a severely-disabled man who is looked after by his brother Martin, portrayed by Warren Brown, who is looking for love.

Christopher John Slater is starring in Broken Biscuits as Tom alongside Warren Brown, far right, who plays his brother and carer Martin.

Christopher said: “Tom is severely disabled and the interesting thing about him as that the audience hears his thoughts.

“There are a few stories going on at once in the show, but this one is about Tom’s brother, who is his carer, going out to chat up girls and looking for love.”

He added: “My agent told me about the job and I went along for an audition. I got really good feedback then was offered the part.

“I had a lot of fun filming it and it was really different to working on kids’ TV.

“There’s a lot less people around and it was good to be able to have a laugh with everyone.

“I’ll be watching the show with my family tonight and again tomorrow with my friends.”

Christopher joined the cast of Tracy Beaker Returns, a spin-off of The Story of Tracy Beaker, at the age of 16 after he was spotted by a BBC talent scout.

His character is being written out of The Dumping Ground, but Christopher hopes more grown-up acting opportunities are just around the corner.

He added: “They’re writing my character out because I’m a bit too old for the show now, but I’m hoping that tonight’s show goes really well and it could lead to more opportunities.

“I want to leave kids’ TV behind now and concentrate on more adult television.”

• Broken Biscuits is on tonight at 10.35pm on BBC One.