A TALENTED actress has launched a mission to raise thousands of pounds to attend her dream drama school - earning celebrity backing.

Kheira Bey, from Southend, was shellshocked to have been offered a place at the prestigious Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance but needs to raise £12,550 to pay for her studies.

Coronation Street star Ray Fearon has contributed £300 to the £800 which has been raised so far, with Kheira, 24, reaching out to a number of stars for support.

Mr Fearon - who has also worked in theatre - now follows Kheira on Twitter.

Coming from a “low income family”, the funds are the largest hurdle.

At just age 15, the performer saved up every penny she earned to pay for theatre trips and acting classes.

She said: “I’ve been into drama pretty much all my life, always gravitating towards stories, reading, writing, films and TV.

“I went to my first drama club when I was nine and ever since then I’ve kept at it.

“I’m completely obsessed with it, and I really do love every moment of it.

“So it’s always been a dream of mine to go to Rose Bruford, I couldn’t believe it when I got my place.

“I went on Twitter and contacted lots of people and Ray came back to me, so you can imagine I was over the moon. He’s been so nice, very supportive and I think could also relate to coming from a working class background.”

So far in her career, Kheira has been fortunate enough to perform with companies such as the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, King’s Head Theatre, Arcola Theatre and London Film School.

Refusing to give up on her dream, she has now launched a Go Fund Me page to help with her fees for Rose Bruford.

She added: “Thankfully I’ve managed to get my first initial payment, meaning I’ve been able to start, but it’s just the rest.

“It is intense and a bit of a shock to my body and whole routine, but it’s honestly been amazing.

“I want to keep going there every day, words cant express what it means to me to have this opportunity.”

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