A FORMER York College student is currently on our television screens in a Dr Who spin off.

Sophie Hopkins studied performing arts at the college and is now playing a leading role in the drama series Class, showing on BBC Three.

Sophie plays the role of April in the science fiction series based at Coal Hill School in Shoreditch, where dark and deadly secrets lurk.

April is one of four Coal Hill School sixth formers dealing with hidden secrets and desires, alien threats and possibly the end of existence.

Sophie, formerly of Woldgate School, came to York College in 2007 to study a national diploma in performing arts (acting) and a national award in musical theatre, graduating in 2009.

She then moved to London and spent a year with repertory theatre company Fourth Monkey and has worked on a handful of short films and indie projects.

Sophie said: “My time at York College made me certain that acting was the career I wanted.

“I joined the college during its first year on the new campus and it was fantastic to have our own theatre and dance studio. The facilities were great.

“We worked with the technical theatre and stage design course too. It felt like a professional environment which is key if you’re going to be ready for the real world. I worked so hard when I moved to London, at one point I had three jobs plus auditions and acting work.

“It was gruelling but every second was worth it. I was picked up by my agent, Identity Agency Group, last October and then everything changed. I’d had auditions before and then the calibre of the roles I was going for was crazy. Towards the end of 2015 I found out that I had landed the role of April in the BBC series Class.

“It’s so wonderful being part of the Doctor Who world.

“My agency in London has just partnered up with United Talent Agency in LA so I’m excited for what the future holds.”

Peter Capaldi, Dr Who himself, made an appearance in the opening episode of Class in which he saved the day and informed the young alien-fighters of their new roles.

He said: “The Doctor Who family is growing, and it’s fantastic to be able to welcome the young new cast of Class in to the Whoniverse.”