County actress in disaster film

A Ludlow actress is set for the big screen in the new multi-million pound disaster movie Flood.

Jade Davidson will star alongside Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty, Trainspotting), Jessalyn Gilsig (Law and Order, Prison Break) and Tom Courtenay (The Dresser and Doctor Zhivago).

Today Jade, whose family lives at Stanton Lacy, said it was ironic she was starring in a film about flooding so soon after her home town fell victim to raging waters.

Jade, 22, has starred in hit TV shows such as The Bill and Casualty and is following in the footsteps of her sister Holly Davidson, and elder stepsister Sadie Frost.

Flood is her first major movie and was shot last year in London and South Africa. It is to be released on August 17.

The 30 million dollar movie was partly filmed at the Thames Barrier over eight days, to create an action-packed scenario in which a freak 25-metre wave sweeps up the Thames Estuary, tops the Thames Barrier and floods London.

Jade, who plays the daughter of one of the lead characters, said: "I'm really excited about the film. It's due out very soon and it has a really good cast.

"We were filming for two-and-a-half weeks in South Africa and I took my mum out. It was an amazing place and it was such a treat to be able to film where it was hot and so relaxed.

When we were filming in London it was a completely different environment. I loved being able to see a different part of the world.

"I'm based in London, though I come home to Ludlow when I can. I've got an agent out in Los Angeles so it's definitely an option to go out to America and do some work there. I want to crack the UK first but then I'd love to get out to Hollywood and star in major films."

The upcoming release of the film has seen distributor Lionsgate and the Environment Agency resolve to work together to highlight actions people can take in the face of real flooding and to reassure London of the Thames Barrier's efficiency.

By Andy Richardson