A WORCESTER actor is making a name for himself Down Under as a character in New Zealand’s long-running soap Shortland Street.

Thijs Morris, aged 26, whose city home is in St John’s, is starring in the hospital-set drama with former Coronation Street star Adam Ricketts.

Mr Morris said: ‘‘I started filming in September last year. It was great to get some regular acting work and being on set every day is a great learning curve.

“I’m told that Shortland Street is the fastest turnaround television show in the world, so we have to keep on the ball.

‘‘My character Sean is a bit of a dodgy guy who is great fun to play. I’ve been lucky to have had some fantastic storylines. I’m acting alongside some leading Kiwi professionals and with Adam as my on-screen brother.’’ Mr Morris started his acting career as a member of Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section (WODYS), before taking a three-year degree at London’s Rose Bruford College.

Having trained with a Kiwi, he decided to spend some time in New Zealand, touring the country for seven months.

He had discussions with an agent in Auckland and when he returned to New Zealand auditioned for a role in Shortland Street.

He didn’t get the part he had gone for, but it was decided to write him into the soap as a new character, Sean (Sid) Mitchell. Mr Morris thinks his character will have been played out by the end of July and he is looking forward to pursuing his career back in Britain while ‘‘keeping an eye on projects that might be starting in New Zealand”.

l WODYS latest production Disco Inferno is being staged at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, from Tuesday, August 3, to Saturday, August 7. Tickets are available from Worcester Live box office at Huntingdon Hall, CrownGate shopping centre on 01905 611427.