A former York College performing arts student is appearing in a BBC One comedy drama.

Taj Atwal, who studied at the college in 2007, plays Jasmin in Kay Mellor’s ‘In The Club’.

It’s not the first role Taj has secured, already known for playing the role of Jasminder in the Ruth Jones BAFTA award-winning comedy ‘Stella’, which aired on Sky 1.

She has also played guest roles in comedies including ‘Miranda’ and ‘In with the Flynn’s’. Taj also played the tough role of newly-qualified teacher Armani Sarin in the BBC’s ‘Moving On’ series created by Jimmy McGovern.

Taj said the college had helped put her on track to achieve her dream of becoming a successful actress, where she graduated with a National Award in Dance and a National Diploma qualification in Performing Arts (Acting). She also received help and support to apply to drama schools, securing a place at the Guildford School of Acting, where she graduated with a degree.

She said: “Being a working actress is something I worked hard for and dreamed of becoming my whole life.

“The York College staff made me want to attend classes. They believed in me and totally encouraged me to carry on, they helped me to reach my goals and spent extra time with me on drama school applications and rehearsing my audition pieces. They had real faith in me and taught me to believe in myself.”

Taj will make her West End debut in October in the revival of hit play ‘East is East’ at the Trafalgar Studios alongside Jane Horrocks.