Red Dwarf actor from Kensal Rise visits Kenton school to judge talent show

Danny John-Jules gave his pearls of wisdom to pupils at Claremont High School

A Kensal Rise actor gave his pearls of wisdom to students as he appeared as a celebrity judge at their school’s annual talent competition.

Danny John-Jules, who starred in Red Dwarf, visited Claremont High School Academy Trust in Claremont Road, Kenton, for their third Claremont’s Got Talent event last week.

The entertainment-filled programme included singing, dancing, gymnastics and even a Rubik’s Cube battle.

The actor, who played The Cat in the classic comedy, also played Lenny Bicknall in children’s series M.I. High and Dwayne Myers in Death Paradise, as well as appearing in Hollywood blockbusters Blade 2 and Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

The competition was won by Year 10 student Katie Bibonas, 14, who played guitar and sung Ed Sheeran’s Baby Tonight.

She said: “The hard work paid off. I rehearsed everyday for two weeks. It was really fun on the night. My competition was really good so I’m very happy to have won.

“I really like Ed Sheeran and the song makes me feel happy. It was exciting to meet a celebrity and he was very normal and gave some good advice.”

The judges also awarded prizes to 14-year-old Anneka Townsend, who performed Beyonce’s I was Here and Year 9 students Nicole Clarke and Hafsa Jalisi who performed My Kind of Love by Emily Sande.