JUICY TV ROLE FOR STAR SAM
YOUNG SAM TO STAR IN NEW ALDI AD
A budding actor has landed a juicy role.
Sam Riley has been gracing the nation’s screens in an advert for supermarket actor Aldi.
The ad sees the cheeky eight-year-old, from Seaham, comparing a premium fresh orange juice brand with the discount chain’s own version, saying: “I like this orange, AND I like this orange,” before gesturing to his spray-tanned older sister with the words: “But I don’t like THAT orange!”
Mum Kathryn Coulson said the St Mary Magdalen Primary School pupil had dabbled with acting when younger.
“He has been into drama in the past but football has taken over now, so he’s not as into it as he used to be,” she said.
But when the family spotted an online advert that seemed perfectly tailored to Sam’s personality, they decided to apply.
“We were looking at a group on Facebook and it came up that they were looking for ‘a sarcastic child,’ and he is a little bit sarcastic.
“We did not know it was for Aldi at the point.”
When they arrived at Sunderland’s Royalty theatre for the audition, however, it seemed the odds were stacked against Sam.
“We did not think he would get it because all the other kids were blonde and blue-eyed, like the girl who was playing the sister,” Kathryn admitted.
Then came the good news that Sam had been chosen to star in the advert - and he proved to be a natural.
“It was filmed at a house in Durham and he just loved it,” said Kathryn.
“He was right at home and it turned out to be a brilliant day.
“He wanted to do more. He wanted to see how the ad was made - it was amazing.”
Doing the advert had rekindled Sam’s interest in drama, said Kathryn.
“He still loves his football but he will definitely be getting back into the drama,” she said.
“There are a few clubs he can join when he is nine, so maybe next
year.”