Grimsby native Thomas Turgoose is a unique acting talent, discovered by Shane and Louise Meadows and Casting Director Des Hamilton at The Space Project, a scheme run for disadvantaged children. Prior to This Is England, his closest brush with acting was being rejected for the role of an extra in the school play.
In his first ever film role he played the lead character, Shaun, in This Is England, written and directed by Shane Meadows. His performance won the 2006 British Independent Film Awards honour for Most Promising Newcomer (On Screen). Turgoose appeared in the 2008 thriller feature Eden Lake, directed by James Watkins. Also in 2008 he was reunited with director Shane Meadows in Somers Town, co-starring in a comedic role opposite young Polish actor Piotr Jagiello. Both young actors shared the Best Actor in a Narrative Feature award at New York's Tribeca Film Festival.
