The Australian star who once captured hearts in The Kissing Booth has officially entered the most prestigious circle in Hollywood. Jacob Elordi has secured his first-ever Academy Award nomination, marking a massive turning point for the 28-year-old actor. Known for his versatility, Elordi is being recognized for his transformative performance as the Creature in Guillermo del Toro's 2025 adaptation of Frankenstein. A transformation for the ages Stepping into the shoes—and the heavy prosthetics—of one of literature's most iconic figures was no small feat. Elordi reportedly spent anywhere from four to ten hours a day in the makeup chair to become the stitched-together Creature. This wasn't just about looking the part; the actor also underwent specialized voice training, including techniques used by Mongolian throat singers, to create a unique, gravelly tone for the character. Director Guillermo del Toro praised Elordi's performance, noting that he cast the actor specific...
Chloe Lea is proving to be one of the most resilient and talented young actors in the UK today. After winning hearts in The Dumping Ground and earning a BAFTA for Katy, she has successfully made the leap to major international sci-fi with a pivotal role in the HBO series Dune: Prophecy. The Salford-born star is quickly becoming a household name as she navigates the complex world of the Bene Gesserit.
From Grounded Roots to Arrakis
Born and raised in Swinton, Greater Manchester, Lea often credits her working-class upbringing for the determination she brings to her roles. Her path to success was anything but traditional. Born extremely premature, she was once known as the "bubble wrap baby" because she was so small at birth, weighing just 1lb 7oz. Today, she uses that same fighting spirit to hold her own alongside industry heavyweights like Emily Watson and Olivia Williams. It is a long way from the hospital incubator to the desert sands of a galactic empire, but she seems to be handling the transition with a lot of grace and a little bit of Northern grit.
In Dune: Prophecy, she plays Lila, a student within the mysterious Sisterhood. Lea has shared that playing a "lost teenager" resonated with her, especially as she navigated the massive, immersive sets in Budapest. She joked that despite the high-stakes drama of the Dune universe, her favorite way to recharge between takes was simply sitting with her guitar or skateboarding with her castmates. Apparently, even in a galaxy far away, there is always time for a kickflip and a few chords.
A BAFTA-Winning Performance
Long before she was exploring alien worlds, Lea was making a massive impact on children's television. Her lead performance in the CBBC adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson's Katy earned her a Young Performer BAFTA in 2018. She played a daredevil teenager who has to navigate life after a fall leaves her unable to walk, a role that required deep emotional maturity for someone so young. Her family often jokes that she was a fighter from day one, so playing a headstrong character felt like second nature.
To prepare for the part, she worked closely with wheelchair users and athletes to ensure her portrayal was authentic. She even mentioned in her acceptance speech how much she was inspired by the perseverance of those living with disabilities. It was this "unpolished" and raw emotional style that caught the eye of the Dune casting team years later. They needed someone who could look vulnerable but act like they could take on a Sandworm, and Lea fit the bill perfectly.
Building a Versatile Resume
Chloe Lea's filmography is a testament to her range. Fans of The Dumping Ground remember her as Viv, a role she played for several years starting in 2020. She also appeared in the gritty police drama Scott & Bailey as Rosie Medford, which was her first major television credit. More recently, she stepped into the world of Charles Dickens, playing a young Estella in the 2023 mini-series Great Expectations. It seems she is ticking off every major genre, from period drama to futuristic space epics, before she is even old enough to rent a car in some countries.
Early Days in Swinton
For those who did not follow her early career on CBBC, Lea is a product of the 13th Performing Arts School in Swinton. Her grandfather, a retired detective, has often spoken about how she refused to let her difficult start in life hold her back. While other kids were playing with toys, she was busy finding her voice and learning how to "flick her feet" to remind herself to breathe in those early hospital days. That same focus is now being directed at memorizing complex sci-fi scripts and working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
What Is Next for Chloe Lea
The future looks exceptionally bright for this Salford-born star. With production for the second season of Dune: Prophecy already making headlines and a confirmed premiere set for 2026, Lea is firmly established as a rising talent to watch. She remains remarkably grounded, often reminding her fans that despite the privilege of her current career, she is still just a girl from Swinton who loves music and her family. We look forward to seeing where her "determination" takes her next, though we suspect it will involve a lot more than just local skate parks.
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