Meet the Liverpool kid starring in new BBC drama The Responder

Nine-year-old Romi Hyland-Rylands is set to appear in the BBC’s new highly anticipated TV series The Responder this month alongside Hollywood star Martin Freeman.

Romi, from Dingle in Liverpool, plays the part of main character Chris’s (Freeman) daughter. She currently studies on the Pre-Elite programme at Liverpool-based performing arts school Rare Studio.

The BBC series, which was filmed in Merseyside, follows a crisis-stricken Liverpudlian police officer as he reacts to events that unfold on night patrol. It’s tipped to be one of the BBC’s must-watch shows of the year and is available to watch on iPlayer from 9pm on 24^th January.

The Responder Photographer: Rekha Garton

Lindsay Inglesby, director at Rare Studio, said:

“At Rare, we’re passionate about providing our talented students with the right opportunities, access to amazing tutors and real industry experience to give them the best possible start in their careers.

“It’s fantastic to see our students working alongside some of the biggest names in TV and at such a young age. It makes us incredibly proud and excited for what else might come in the future.”

Lindsay also praised Rare Studio’s exclusive relationship with Louise Johnstone Management, developed to give students access to the top jobs.

When asked about her time filming, Romi said:

“I loved working on The Responder. Working with Martin Freeman was amazing. He is so funny and was so nice to me.”

Romi’s appearance comes just months after acting graduate Ellis Howard appeared in Channel 4’s hard-hitting care home drama Help alongside a cast packed full of the best Liverpool talent, including actors Jodie Comer, Stephen Graham, Ian Hart and Andrew Schofield.

Ellis, who is 23 years old and from Norris Green, plays the part of Sarah’s younger brother, Robbie. It’s set in a fictional Liverpool care home during spring 2020 when a carer (Comer) is put to the test along with her patient Tony (Graham) in horrific circumstances as the Covid-19 pandemic hits.

Ellis

Rare Studio offers a variety of courses in dance, musical theatre and acting, and has a scholarship and development fund enabling homegrown talent to train on a level playing field, regardless of personal circumstances or backgrounds.

Rare Studio are now accepting applications for 2021/2022 programmes. To find out more and to apply, visit www.rarestudioliverpool.co.uk

To watch the trailer for The Responder (featuring Romi at 0:20), click here.