A child actress is becoming a familiar face to millions after landing a plum role in the world of advertising.

Blaise Allan beat hundreds of hopefuls to front the Christmas marketing campaign for supermarket giant Waitrose.

The 11-year-old, from Blean, stars in the company’s multi-million pound adverts which were launched on prime time television during ITV’s X Factor.

Waitrose held nationwide castings for the part of a young girl whose disastrous attempts to bake gingerbread prompt her to seek advice from the supermarket.

“Acting’s definitely something I would like to do as a career – either that or a police dog handler” - Blaise Allan

Blaise, an aspiring actress who has been a member of the Kent Youth Theatre several years, was invited up to audition in London.

“I didn’t think I would get it because the other girls all had long blonde hair,” said Blaise, whose birthday was this week.

“When I got the call in October that I’d been chosen I couldn’t believe it.”

Producers invited Blaise and her mother Tamsin Parry up to Wimbledon in west London for filming.

The commercials were first aired on the weekend of November 8 – one of the most crucial weekends in the advertising world’s calendar.

Speaking from the family home in Blean Common, Blaise said: “I’ve not been into Canterbury yet, so I don’t know if people will recognise me. My friends keep saying things like ‘I saw you on the television twice last night’.

“Acting’s definitely something I would like to do as a career – either that or a police dog handler.”

The Waitrose commercial was her most high profile role to date, Blaise added.

Her previous work has included an anti-discrimination public information film for distribution in schools.

Blaise’s mother Tamsin also said that having seen the other girls up for audition in London, she did not think her daughter was in with a chance. She praised the advert’s producers for going against the norm.

“I think they were brave in their choices,” she said. “They’ve got a male primary school teacher, they’ve not gone for a girl with long blonde hair – they’ve chosen a girl with short dark hair. It’s wonderfully brave.”

Blaise was selected through the Kent Youth Theatre, which also runs as an agency for youngsters and circulates their photos for castings.

Director Richard Andrews said: “She is a very good performer. Blaise is one of those who is perfect for the screen.”

Stories you might have missed

'My inspiring wife gave gift of life to others'

Single mother being made homeless before Christmas

First rush hour at Dartford Crossing as it goes toll free

'The biggest roads investment in a generation'