A talented ten-year-old from Haywards Heath tried to fail an audition so he could go on holiday - but still ended up landing a starring role in a hit children’s TV show.

Harvey Thorn is playing the character Josh in series four and five of CBeebies show Grandpa In My Pocket.

Initially he was not very keen about the role because it meant missing out on a family holiday to Spain.

Harvey said: “I did not want to do it at first because I wanted to go on my holiday.”

When it came to the final stages of the audition process Harvey tried to sabotage his audition by fluffing the nursery rhyme he was asked to recite.

But despite his attempts Harvey found himself getting the call back and being offered the role.

While he was initially unhappy, Harvey is now very pleased that he took the part and spent the summer filming in Cardiff for the new series. He said: “First I thought I was not going to get it, but then my mum got a phone call back.

“I was really nervous about going because I did not know the people or what I was letting myself in for.

“But I went in head-first and really enjoyed it, the people were really nice.”

Harvey stars alongside veteran actor James Bolam, known for his roles in the BBC’s New Tricks and The Likely Lads.

In Grandpa In My Pocket, Mr Bolam plays role of Grandpa, who has a magical shrinking cap and gets into all sorts of adventures with Harvey.

Dianne Thorn, 44, Harvey’s mother, said that she was very pleased and proud of her son, saying that it was worth going to every audition just for the experience.

Harvey sees his future in entertainment and takes classes in acting and dance outside school hours.

Grandpa In My Pocket is on CBeebies at 5.25pm on Saturdays.