THE Bolton lad who played a young tearaway in Casualty has got his latest bad boy role in Brookside.

Seventeen-year-old Edward Wiseman got his big break last year in an action-packed episode of the hospital drama playing a joy rider.

But the young actor, who turns 18 in April, has moved on to even greater things, landing a large part as a shady character in Brookside.

Edward, who lives on Ivy Road, Smithills, first appeared on screens in the Liverpool-set TV soap towards the end of December. In one of the soap's major Christmas story lines, he plays the part of Harvey - a key person involved with the rape of a young girl at a party.

The BEN cannot reveal what happens but Edward is set to be involved until March as one of the suspects - and an appearance in court could definitely be on the cards.

The former Smithills School pupil is working hard to fit in his hectic schedule.

Between filming on set, he manages to cram in study at Bolton College on Manchester Road for a BTEC in performing arts.

Proud mum Moya told the BEN: "It is great news. Casualty was a big break, but this is just huge and should really set him on a bigger stage.

"He might get a reputation as a bad boy, but it is what he likes doing."

Edward only stumbled on the part by accident after being turned down for a role in a new Mrs Merton show because he was too old.

He went on another audition for Chester-based soap Hollyoaks but was collared by a Brookside producer who said he was just what they were looking for.

Edward said: "It is really fantastic. I felt very out of place at first, but the crowd made me feel welcome.

"I've only been on screen three times and I've already been stopped on the streets.

"I'll be filming to the end of February and hopefully they might ask me to stay longer, but I can't tell anyone what happens because I only get my script a week before it is filmed."

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