‘If I can dream big, so can others’
George explains how his family have been key to his success – and shares what he wants to do next
‘I am lucky to have such a brilliant mum. It’s thanks to her that I believe in myself and love my life so much. I always look forward to things and get excited rather than nervous.
She and my dad have always encouraged me and told me I can be whatever I want to be. I’m really grateful for all their support.
With Cbeebies, Strictly and getting a BAFTA, I’ve fulfilled quite a few of my dreams already, but I still have others. I loved the Strictly Christmas special and would love to be on the main show. I’d also love to go to Hollywood. I could be in a Marvel film, or maybe be James Bond. Anything is possible. That’s my attitude.
Thanks to Mum and Dad, both Lauren and I believe in ourselves. She’s passionate about what she’s doing, too – studying zoology – and I’m so proud of her. She’s the best sister.
I’ve always loved performing. I began acting classes when I was eight and really felt I’d found my place. I also loved school. I made loads of friends, some with Down Syndrome, some without.
Everyone is unique and special, whether they have a disability or not. That’s the point of my book, This Is Me! It is about celebrating difference. We all have things we find hard or easy and the book shows that. Difference doesn’t need to be negative or scary – it can be good.
I’m happy to be a role model, but I don’t define myself as George who has Down Syndrome. I’m just George. If I can dream big, so can others.
That’s the great thing about Cbeebies. They see me as me. We’re opening the conversation about disability to young children and hopefully getting them to think of disabilities in a different way.’