A TOP ACTOR from Llangollen is sharing the limelight with a stunt mouse with “star quality” that has appeared in a blockbuster Netflix show and EastEnders.
Tipper, the talented brown rodent, is making her debut in a Welsh language TV comedy series alongside actor Dyfed Thomas - originally from Rhosllanerchrugog.
The mouse will feature in a scene in one of the episodes in the second series of the award-winning sit-com, Rybish (Rubbish).
Dyfed is a key member of the cast Produced by Caernarfon-based Cwmni Da and filming took place at a real-life recycling centre in Blaenau Ffestiniog.
The first episode will be broadcast on S4C at 9pm on Friday, April 1.
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Dyfed, who lives just outside Llangollen with his wife, former Benny Hill actress Julie Kirk, plays Eurwyn who is perhaps the most educated of all the characters.
An actor with more than 45 years experience, Dyfed has focused on work behind the camera in recent years, mainly adapting novels into movie scripts.
He said: “I’ve sold some scripts to Bollywood and in the past few years I've spent a lot of my time in India.
"The invitation to appear in Rybish was unexpected but I've really enjoyed it, especially being involved, albeit in a small way, with the creative process.
"My character, Eurwyn, is one of those traditional, ordinary and dear people who are devoted to Welsh culture. One of the quarry hut crew that could recite R Williams Parry without a problem.
"It’s very important to have people like that; genuine, hardworking and totally happy in their work and important that such characters exist on television to represent our unique Welsh culture and heritage.
PIC: The cast of Rybish, from left, Rhodri Trefor (Nigel), Mair Tomos Ifans (Val),Betsan Ceiriog (Bobbi), Sion Pritchard (Clive), Dyfed Thomas (Eurwyn) and Carys Gwilym (Lorraine)
“In playing the part, I almost feel like I've gone full circle in my career, returning to acting in my native Welsh and reminiscing about theatre work by being so close to the cast and crew.”
Dyfed added that after completing filming Rybish he is looking forward to taking part in another S4C programme later this year.
The plotline involving Tipper is being kept under wraps but it is known that she will be seen in the Y Caban (cabin) where the six members of staff take a break from the daily grind of their working lives.
Producer and BAFTA Cymru award-nominated writer Barry Jones, known universally as Archie, said: "We wanted a real mouse so that it appeared authentic and Tipper proved to be just what was wanted. It's not a big part but it's still a very important part of the episode."
Eagle-eyed animal lovers may recognise Tipper from one of her previous appearances on the BBC's Eastenders.
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Animal trainer Mark Amey said Tipper was seen scurrying about the London Underground station on the EastEnders set last year.
And he revealed Tipper has returned to Walford for another, yet to be broadcast, episode of the long-running soap opera.
Tipper, whose was named by Mark because of a little white tip on her body, and her mum appeared in the hit Netflix show, Tiny Creatures, which was awarded two prestigious Emmy Awards for Outstanding Travel, Adventure and Nature Programme and Outstanding Cinematography at a ceremony in Los Angeles last summer.
Mark, who keeps and breeds exotic animals at his Hertfordshire home, said Tipper is from a long line of acting mice.
"They live for about a year and a half and Tipper's about ready for a well-earned retirement and possibly have a family of her own," he added.
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