STARDOM could be in the script for three aspiring actresses from Ansdell after they beat thousands of hopefuls to scoop TV contracts with the BBC.

Katey Siddall from Hilton Avenue and 17-year-old twins Laura and Rebekah Mansfield from Rossall Road are now looking forward to seeing themselves on the silver screen after winning over judges in "Acting Up" -- the nationwide auditions for BBC Talent.

And they will soon be enjoying speaking roles in top programmes like EastEnders, Holby City and Casualty.

For 19-year-old Katey it's all down to brotherly love. Her brother Lee, 22, was working at Blackpool's Odeon cinema, Rigby Road, when BBC chiefs came to hold the acting auditions in the venue last June and urged his sister to take part.

Katey said: "I was in Leeds when Lee phoned me and said I should give it a go. So I got straight on the train and went for it. I didn't have time to be nervous. It's the best Christmas present he's ever given me.

"When I got there I ended up working with Peter De Jersey who plays nurse Steve in Holby City. I couldn't believe it.

"I then heard nothing until November when I got a letter inviting me to the London final in December. And then I got really nervous!

"I had to read from a script and just waited around not expecting to be picked as there were 200 of us. And then 30 of us were chosen. It's fantastic. I hope I get a part on EastEnders. My cousin says I'd be good at playing a tart with a heart! Or maybe Holby City and I would see Steve again. That would be good."

Katey studied at Blackpool's Whittaker Dance and Drama Centre for five years and received a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts from Blackpool and The Fylde College. She is currently applying to a London university to study drama and film.

Rebekah and her identical twin Laura heard about "Acting Up" from big sister Ruth and had to go to the Liverpool auditions as they were busy taking their GCSEs in June.

Rebekah said: 'We got lost as well on the way, but we were more excited than scared. Also we entered as a team so it was both of us or nothing. We are always together. It was quite funny as the judges kept getting us confused.

"We've never done anything like this before."

Laura and Rebekah attend Lytham St Annes High Sixth Form and say they owe everything to their drama teacher Miss Deardon who taught them throughout high school. "She taught all three of us, Katey included," added Laura. "I'm sure it's down to her teaching. She screamed with happiness when we told her! I hope to go on to EastEnders as that's my favourite BBC drama."

BBC Talent together with the BBC drama series team visited 12 cities and auditioned more than 12,000 people to offer actors new to television, or those wanting to return to the profession, the chance to audition in front of BBC casting directors.

They were so impressed by the calibre of talent that they awarded a staggering 30 contracts instead of the planned ten at the London final on December 8 for speaking roles in BBC drama series.

They will all receive details of their roles by March and will be seen on TV before the end of the year.

BBC Talent, now in its second year, is part of the BBC's long-term commitment to finding and nurturing new talent. Head of the BBC Talent Campaign Angie Stephenson said: "We have been delighted with the response to the "Acting Up" scheme. As with other BBC Talent schemes, this supports the BBC's commitment to grow the UK's future talent base."