Dumbarton boy stars in top kids tv show

Nov 7 2008 by Amanda McKendrick, Lennox Herald (main ed)

THOMAS Laing didn’t just get to watch his favourite television show – he starred in it.

The five-year-old’s talent for tobogganing landed him a dream role in CBeebies series Lazy Town Extra – a spin-off from hit worldwide kids’ show Lazy Town, in which the characters find out about different sports and activities.

The St Patrick’s Primary School pupil, who has cerebral palsy, appeared on screen with Lazy Town puppet character Ziggy in an episode entitled One, Two, Ski.

Mum Michelle said: “Appearing on Lazy Town was a dream come true for Thomas. He absolutely loves the programme.

“Thomas started snow sports through Disability Scotland in February this year and has lessons at Xscape on the toboggan every six weeks.

“He really enjoys it because it’s something he can do that doesn’t involve me or his dad.

“He just gets on the slope and is away. ”

Thomas, who lives in Dumbarton with mum Michelle, dad James and baby sister Abbie, was nominated to appear on an episode of the show all about snow sports by his instructor at Xscape Braehead.

Producers invited him to attend an audition and he was chosen to appear on screen.

He was filmed tobogganing at the dry ski slope in Bearsden along with 12 other children and Ziggy back in June and the 15-minute episode went out last Tuesday on the CBeebies digital channel.

The schoolboy’s favourite character Sportacus was also featured, along with Trixie, Stephanie and Robbie Rotten.

Proud Michelle added: “Thomas loved meeting Ziggy, who had come over from Iceland where the show is filmed. It was great just to watch the filming and see what goes on behind the scenes.

“I don’t think Thomas could believe the size of Ziggy because the characters look so big on screen.

“It was filmed by BBC Scotland and the footage was then sent to Iceland and merged with the show. It was excellent.”