HE feared he would get in trouble when he used to watch his dad’s 18-rated Robert De Niro films.

But instead Keane Sudworth found the inspiration for his career.

When the Penketh resident was young, he used to wait until his parents, Dan and Emma, were asleep and then put on his favourite movies like Goodfellas and The Godfather Part II.

While watching he became more and more fascinated with the process the actors went through to transform into their characters and wanted to learn it for himself.

The former St Gregory’s student said: “I used to watch all my dad’s films – the old classics with Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Marlon Brando.

“I used to sneak in the backroom when everyone was asleep and watch them. It just blew me away at that age watching these guys.

“One thing I couldn’t wrap my head around when I was a kid was that the same person could play so many different characters

“I wanted to master that – find out how one person can play so many different people and make it seem so real.”

Those thoughts stayed in the back of Keane’s mind but he instead found himself drawn to his other love – boxing.

He started boxing when he was 11 and trained at Phoenix Fights until a blood clot near his chest meant he had to hang up his gloves.

Keane said: “I had an operation which meant I couldn’t box anymore – I had to hand my licence in for medical reasons.

“I’d dedicated my life to boxing so I was sat there wondering what I was going to do.”

Keane then saw it as fate when he heard about First Take School of Acting as his mum knew head acting coach Anthony Crank from her school days.

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He added: “It was a big change really as for a long period of time I thought I was going to be a boxer. It came out of nowhere. It was like it was there waiting for me.”

His tutors would probably agree because the 19-year-old is now quickly beginning to pick up acting work.

He had a guest lead role as Cole Wetherby on Doctors earlier this month, this week he is in Hollyoaks from Tuesday to Thursday and he was on his way to an audition for Ackley Bridge when Weekend spoke to him.

Keane said: “It’s been crazy. It’s gone from zero to 100 really quickly. Doctors was my first TV role and when my agent rang me I didn’t believe her at first. I thought she was joking.

“It’s one of the best feelings in the world to hear you’ve been cast but it’s a bit weird looking at yourself on screen and watching your own work.

“We film things in class and watch it back but it’s different watching it as it goes out on TV because you instantly think: ‘There are millions watching this. I hope it looks right’.

“At first it was so surreal being on set. I remember when I was on the set of Doctors I was walking behind the camera, looking at the monitors and trying to see what happens behind the scenes.

“I got used to it pretty quick but at first I was like a kid in a candy shop.”

Keane soon found his feet but said TV sets are as hectic as they are perceived to be.

He added: “Even if there are just one or two cast members on set there’s always a 20 or 30-man crew.

“And the moment they yell cut, the make-up team come running on and the cameramen make sure the shots are alright.

“It’s good because there’s an energy to it – it’s not stressful but it keeps you on your toes.

“I felt like an intruder at first but on all the sets I’ve been on everyone’s been so nice. They checked I was ok and had everything I needed and were so welcoming.”

The Hollyoaks role could particularly open doors for Keane because he is in a major drug-dealing storyline alongside another new character Jordan (Connor Calland).

First Take founder Jamie Lomas started his career playing Warren Fox in the soap so he was able to give plenty of advice to Keane.

Keane, a member of First Take for two years, said: “When I got the part I didn’t even need to ask. He just came over to me, sat me down and gave me loads of tips.

“It was really nice to be given advice from someone who’s been there and walked the walk. It was really beneficial.

“The characters I’ve played so far are nothing like me and that’s what’s exciting about them.

“It’s a good feeling to step outside of yourself for a little bit – and to step into someone else’s shoes.”

Keane is also thrilled that First Take now has a presence in Warrington after its initial launch in Manchester.

He added: “It’s an amazing group of people there. They’ve opened the kids’ classes at St Greg’s which is where I used to go.

“I’ve been and seen some of the classes and I’ve done some work with the kids. I wish it had been there when I was younger.

“It’s great that Warrington youngsters now have the chance to see what it’s all about.

“Becoming an actor is a really long process. You’ll get turned away more than you get accepted but if you trust the process and keep plugging away it will come with time and practice.”

For more information about First Take visit firsttakeschoolofacting.com