Behind the Scenes: Teddy’s Role in Casualty
Little Teddy had a taste of luxury on-set life when he was cast as ‘Baby Emily’ in BBC’s Casualty, the first-time actor even received his very own trailer and body double!
Teddy was born with a unilateral cleft lip, gum notch, and complete cleft palate on the 20th March 2024.
In May 2024, Teddy’s mum, Amy, came across a Facebook post about a possible acting opportunity for her son:
“Back when Teddy was around two months old, I saw on CLAPA’s Facebook about a TV show looking for a cleft lip baby. Before I knew it, I received a message from the BBC, they were so kind to share the script, and make sure we were comfortable with the storyline.”
Teddy’s starring role was playing the part of newborn baby ‘Emily’, whose mother has had a troublesome past and blames herself for having a baby born with a cleft.
Amy continued, “She is reassured it’s not her fault, an important point to make to all of us cleft mums. It was both exciting and very emotional being behind the scenes. It was very strange watching actors ‘deliver’ Teddy and the ‘mum’ who looked so horrified at the cleft baby…my baby.
“Some of the scripted sad comments like ‘Is this my fault?’ really hit home. Something I asked myself so much.
“But I knew in my heart it was so important to raise awareness and stand proud for those affected by cleft. To also never be ashamed of Teddy and his perfect imperfections. I have learned a lot about myself and the mum I can be. I am so proud of both my sons and Teddy is Teddy, I wouldn’t have him any other way!”
Teddy’s episode was aired on Saturday 15th February, on BBC One.
Thank you for sharing with us Amy and Teddy.
