BAFTA Breakthrough is an initiative that showcases and supports the next generation of creative talent working in British film, games and television, identifying excellent individuals who have had a breakthrough year in the industry.
Ahead of the announcement of the 2024 BAFTA Breakthrough artists next month, we look back on 15 talented disabled artists who have been recognised for their incredible and outstanding work in TV and film over the past 11 years.
Every year, a group of on and off-screen talented newcomers are selected by the industry to take part in the Breakthrough UK year-long programme. Successful Breakthroughs receive voting membership of BAFTA for a year, giving them free access to BAFTA events and screenings and the members’ space at 195 Piccadilly. In addition, BAFTA supports each Breakthrough individually, working with them to create a tailored year of support, industry introductions and career development.
BAFTA Breakthrough, which is supported by Netflix, prides itself on recognising and rewarding talent from diverse backgrounds and creative disciplines. Among the many creatives who have gone on this pathway, dozens identify as having a disability.
Below, we showcase 15 exceptional disabled performers, broadcasters, directors and filmmakers who have passed through the initiative over the past 11 years and share what they have gone on to do.
Rose Ayling-Ellis – 2022 BAFTA Breakthrough Performer
Deaf from birth, Rose Ayling-Ellis has broken barriers as an actor. Known for roles in Summer of Rockets and EastEnders, she won Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 with Giovanni Pernice. Their silent Couple’s Choice dance won a BAFTA for Virgin Media Must-see Moment. In 2022, she made her stage debut in As You Like It and earned an Olivier nomination.
More recently, Rose became the first deaf person to host a live sports show at the Paralympic Games. As a continued champion for the deaf community, Rose’s voluntary work saw her appointed an MBE this year and will host a new BBC documentary where she will teach BSL.
Rose is also set to play the lead role in a six-part ITV crime drama, Code of Silence. She will portray the character of Alison Brooks – a deaf catering worker who becomes a heroine by lip-reading criminals’ conversations to help put them behind bars.
Rose hopes BAFTA Breakthrough will bring more acting opportunities. She emphasises the importance of inclusive storytelling, where disabled characters exist beyond their disabilities.
Follow Rose Ayling-Ellis on Instagram @rose.a.e
Ruth Madeley – 2016 BAFTA Breakthrough Actress
Ruth Madeley‘s acting career began unexpectedly when she was recommended for an audition while volunteering at Whizz-Kidz. Her first major role in Don’t Take My Baby earned her a BAFTA nomination.
Ruth later starred in The Level in her first non-disability-specific role, which she considers a milestone for representation. Her other credits include Years And Years, Then Barbra Met Alan, Doctor Who, plus many more.
Ruth – who lives with spina bifida – continues to advocate for greater industry inclusion, striving to be recognised as an actor first, with disability secondary.
Follow Ruth Madeley on Instagram @ruthmadeley
Read: Ruth Madeley: BAFTA-Nominated Actor Creating Greater Disability Representation In The Media
Tim Renkow – 2020 BAFTA Breakthrough Writer/Producer
Tim Renkow is a Mexican-born American comedian and actor with cerebral palsy. He moved to North Carolina, attended art school in Memphis, and later studied creative writing in London, where he began stand-up comedy.
Coming from a family of storytellers, Tim has always used stories to communicate ideas and thoughts and was hoping to become an illustrator. It wasn’t until he placed third in a comedy competition at his university that he realised that he was possibly better at stand-up than his actual degree.
His BBC Three show Jerk, based on his life, was co-created with his friend Stu Richards. Tim’s writing evolved from punchlines to storytelling, earning him the recognition of a BAFTA Breakthrough honour.
Married to comedian Spring Day, Tim still hopes to work in animation. He also starred in Bobby & Harriet Get Married and was nominated for RTS Breakthrough Act in 2020.
Follow Tim Renkow on Instagram @timrenkowcomedy
George Robinson – 2021 BAFTA Breakthrough Performer
George Robinson was left tetraplegic after a rugby accident at 17. He later pursued acting, with his second audition landing him the role of Isaac in Sex Education. George loves playing Isaac, a character for whom his wheelchair is just a means of transport, symbolising industry progress.
He hopes the BAFTA Breakthrough recognition will help him tell more stories while advocating for better behind-the-camera representation.
Most recently, George offered his acting skills to Channel 4’s coverage of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. He filmed a variety of videos where he played a delusional character who believes that just because he has a disability, he can make it to the Paralympics with minimal effort. Ade Adepitan played the frustrated coach politely trying to steer him away from elite sports. This is a nod to anyone in a wheelchair who’s had a non-disabled person come up to them and say, “You must be one of those Paralympians!”
Follow George Robinson on Instagram @georgerossrobinson
Jim LeBrecht – 2020 BAFTA Breakthrough Co-Director
Jim LeBrecht co-directed the documentary Crip Camp, which explores disability rights through his personal experience at a summer camp. As a sound designer and mixer, he has worked on over 180 films. His sound credits include Minding the Gap, The Island President, The Waiting Room and Audrie and Daisy.
Jim – who lives with spina bifida – hopes BAFTA Breakthrough will connect him with other filmmakers, and he’s working on scripted projects in both the U.S. and the UK while continuing his sound design work.
In recent years, Jim has been the host of the podcast The Art of Documentary, where he interviewed six documentary filmmakers, unpacking how their unique perspectives and identities shape their creative narratives and careers.
One of the latest films Jim has worked on as Executive Producer is The Ride Ahead, which is a documentary that follows Samuel Habib’s transition to adulthood with a disability. He is 21 years old and wants to date, leave home, and go to college. But he drives a 350-pound wheelchair, uses a communication device, and can have a seizure at any moment. Determined to find his path forward, Samuel seeks out guidance from America’s most rebellious disability activists.
Another film Jim produced this year is Patrice: The Movie, a documentary romantic comedy that follows Patrice Jetter, a New Jersey crossing guard with a passion for figure skating, model trains, and art. As a disabled person, she faces systemic challenges, especially when her planned marriage to Garry, also disabled, threatens their financial support under U.S. law.
Follow Jim LeBrecht on Instagram @jimlebrecht
Shannon DeVido – 2020 BAFTA Breakthrough Performer
Philadelphia-born Shannon DeVido is a comedian and actor with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Her breakout role in Hulu’s Difficult People allowed her to play a hilarious character who just happens to be disabled. Shannon is passionate about comedy as a means to challenge stereotypes about disability.
In 2023, Shannon played in the college drama Lucky Hank. She portrayed Emma Wheemer, a take-charge and no-nonsense English teacher at Railton College under the supervision of department chair Hank Devereaux, Jr. (Bob Odenkirk), in recurring roles.
In early 2024, Shannon starred in the musical comedy Most Likely Not To…, a show set at a high school reunion in Philadelphia and highlights the challenges that people living with disabilities face, especially when travelling.
Follow Shannon DeVido on Instagram @shannondevido
Arthur Williams – 2013 BAFTA Breakthrough Broadcaster
Arthur Williams grew up in rural Worcestershire, where his love for the outdoors sparked a passion for travel and aviation. At 17, he joined the Royal Marines, overcoming doubts to earn his green beret.
In 2007, a car accident left him paralysed, forcing him to rethink his future. Rediscovering his childhood love of flying, Arthur began training as a commercial pilot. He also found a new career in broadcasting, presenting for Channel 4 during the 2012 Paralympic Games and later hosting aviation documentaries.
In 2013, Arthur was mentored as a Breakthrough Brit by past Chair of BAFTA John Willis, Chief Executive of Mentorn Media, one of the UK’s longest-established independent television production companies, where Arthur was invited to attend development meetings and a selection of short courses to expand his broadcasting versatility. Arthur also had meetings with Sir Tony Robinson and Sir David Attenborough.
Over the next 11 years, Arthur has presented three more Summer Paralympics – Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, as well as three Winter Paralympics, two World Athletics Championships and two European Athletics Championships.
He has subsequently travelled all around the world for multiple travel series, including The Plane That Saved Britain, Flying Wild, Flying to the Ends of the Earth and Flying Across Britain.
Follow Arthur Williams on Instagram @arthurvwilliams
David Proud – 2021 BAFTA Breakthrough Writer
Born with spina bifida, David Proud began acting in children’s dramas before landing a major role in EastEnders as villain Adam Best.
Transitioning to writing, David joined the Coronation Street writers’ room, where he is recognised for his skill, not his disability. He aims to change perceptions of disability through authentic storytelling.
In 2024, David returned to on-screen work, playing the part of Harry in the Netflix film Lift, starring Kevin Hart.
Follow David Proud on Instagram @mrdavidproud
Jordan Hogg – 2020 BAFTA Breakthrough Director
Living with cerebral palsy, Jordan Hogg has over 70 hours of broadcast TV credits and was first trained through Channel 4’s 4Talent scheme. Jordan has worked on long-running soaps and dramas, including Hollyoaks and Coronation Street, and his handheld camera style episode of Casualty won them a BAFTA in 2018.
Previously, he has loved the freedom to express his vision on shows like prison-drama series Screw, Death in Paradise, All Creatures Great And Small and Ackley Bridge, which was the first time that he truly felt like a legitimate director, working with actors who had a mix of experiences and he thrived on the challenges it threw at him.
Living in Scarborough, Jordan feels slightly more detached from the central hub of the industry but to be recognised by BAFTA is the biggest honour of his career. He was particularly inspired by actor Ruth Madeley and has kept an eye on the excellent work that she’s been doing ever since.
Jordan also directed BBC One’s groundbreaking drama, multi RTS-winning, Ralph & Katie – the first drama to feature two lead actors with Down’s syndrome, a project seen as pioneering for inclusive TV.
Follow Jordan Hogg on Instagram @directorjordan
Leon Harrop – 2022 BAFTA Breakthrough Performer
Leon Harrop has acted in The Street, The A Word, and Brassic and his groundbreaking role in Ralph & Katie.
Leon dreams of a Hollywood career, wanting to be recognised for his acting rather than his Down’s syndrome:
“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…” says Leon.
Ella Glendining – 2023 BAFTA Breakthrough Director
Filmmaker Ella Glendining’s debut documentary Is There Anybody Out There? explores her life with a rare disability. The film highlights societal ableism and celebrates disability.
BAFTA Breakthrough has been a major recognition of her work, and she’s now writing her first fiction film for the BFI, a historical drama. Ella is committed to advocating for better disabled representation in media.
Shortly after her Breakthrough achievement was announced, Ella’s documentary Is There Anybody Out There? was nominated for a BAFTA Award.
She is also a qualified Access Coordinator, with experience working on Sky drama Sweetpea and Roughcut TV production We Might Regret This, a disabled-led comedy/drama for the BBC.
In March 2024, Ella was one of nine recipients of the Independent Cinema Office (ICO) Miles Ketley Memorial Fund bursary, which has £15,000 to give to early career filmmakers across three years.
Follow Ella Glendining on Instagram @ella_bee_g
Vicky Knight – 2019 BAFTA Breakthrough Actor
Vicky Knight became an actor after being cast in Dirty God, a film about a woman recovering from an acid attack. Vicky, who survived an arson attack, found the experience life-changing.
She recently reunited with director Sacha Polak for Silver Haze, a film based on her real-life trauma. Vicky continues to work as a healthcare assistant while pursuing acting.
Follow Vicky Knight on Instagram @vickyknight
Bim Ajadi – 2020 BAFTA Breakthrough Director
Bim Ajadi, who is deaf, started his career by subtitling films for friends. His BAFTA-winning film Here/Not Here creatively blends Krump dance, visual poetry, and street football to bridge the hearing and deaf communities.
He co-directed the Netflix Paralympic documentary Rising Phoenix and has directed episodes of Hollyoaks and Silent Witness.
In 2024, Bim directed Becoming Jazzy Whipps, a documentary about deaf content creator Jazzy Whipps, who was subjected to vicious trolling after using her voice in a video shared online.
Follow Bim Ajadi on Instagram @bimmyman
Talisha ‘Tee Cee’ Johnson – 2023 BAFTA Breakthrough Presenter/Producer/Filmmaker
Talisha ‘Tee Cee’ Johnson began her media career at 16 as a published author and lifestyle magazine founder. She’s worked as a presenter, writer and producer and recently won the RTS Midlands Diversity Champion Award for her documentary Too Autistic for Black.
BAFTA Breakthrough has opened doors for her to diversify her portfolio. She’s working on a book proposal on autism and hopes to get her second documentary commissioned.
Reacting to being a BAFTA Breakthrough artist, Ttee Cee said: “I do believe everything happens for a reason and when it’s your time, it’s your time. It’s taken a lot of patience. Everyone’s journey is different but for me, it’s taken a lot of self-encouragement and motivation to keep going and working on my craft in preparation for when the right opportunity happens…”
Follow Tee Cee on Instagram @thisisteecee
Annie Price – 2018 BAFTA Breakthrough Presenter
Annie Price, a presenter and fitness trainer, never imagined herself on television. She initially found fulfilment as a personal trainer, helping clients achieve their fitness goals. However, after meeting an agent and a production company, she considered a shift to documentary filmmaking. It took three years before she found a compelling project that motivated her to take the leap.
Annie’s documentaries, known for their honesty and personal touch, delve into topics close to her heart. Her first BBC Three film, Annie Out of the Ashes (2016), shared her experience as a burns survivor. Since then, she has explored diverse subjects, including motherhood in Tiredness, Tears, and Tantrums: Diary of a New Mum and the beauty industry in Plastic Surgery Capital of the World.
In 2019, Annie presented Inside the Cage: The Rise of Female Fighters, investigating women’s mixed martial arts, a sport offering both prestige and the potential for a better life.
Despite her shift to television, Annie’s passion for storytelling remains rooted in the same values that guided her as a personal trainer: building connections and understanding people’s stories. She enjoys the fast-paced nature of documentary filmmaking and the research behind it. Annie hopes to continue creating the kind of television she would enjoy watching herself.
While her son Sonny keeps her busy, she still owns a gym, though her visits are less frequent. In addition to her TV work, Annie became an ambassador for the BBC’s Tiny Happy People campaign in 2020, promoting language development for young children.
Follow Annie Price on Instagram @anniejprice
Stay tuned to find out who will make the 2024 BAFTA Breakthrough list, which will be announced in November 2024.