Leon Harrop | Performer

Leon Harrop | Performer

Could Hollywood beckon for Oldham boy Leon Harrop? It’s certainly an ambition of the actor, who has a growing list of impressive television credits to his name, starting with his debut in The Street (2009), through From There to Here (2014), The A Word (2016-2020), Brassic (2019-2022) and the groundbreaking Ralph & Katie (2022), directed by 2020 BAFTA Breakthrough Jordan Hogg. Leon plays one of the leads, Ralph, in this winning comedy drama, which also works as an excellent showcase for disabled and neurodiverse talent, in front of and behind the camera. Leon may be a performer with a disability, but he is keen to point out that he wants to be celebrated for his acting first and foremost.

In his own words:

“I have Down’s [syndrome], but I don’t like people saying I have Down’s. I want them to call me an adult or a man. If someone says, ‘Oh, he’s got Down’s’, I’m like, ‘Excuse me – I know I have Down’s but that’s not who I am.’ It doesn’t define me... I do talk funny sometimes, but I can’t help that. I’ve got special needs, you know?

“It’s very important to see disabled people on screen, because they are absolutely stunning. They are special. They really are. On Ralph & Katie, we have people who have different things going on with them, like Jordan who has cerebral palsy. It’s all disabled. The writers as well. There should be more [representation on our screens]. It’s important. They light up the TV...

“I love acting because I like working and it just makes me happy... I want to do more. I want to be a Hollywood actor. ‘Hollywood Harrop’ – that’s my second name... I want to direct as well. On Ralph & Katie, I did a little bit with Jordan and really enjoyed it...

“I’m happy to be here. It’s my first time at BAFTA and I’m still in shock. I watch the Awards. I said to myself, ‘One day, I’ll be on that stage with that award’ – I’m aiming high – so, finding myself here, it’s just brilliant.”

Leon’s Breakthrough credit is television series Ralph & Kati.

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