The Teenagers

Kayleigh Allison

Sparky Kayleigh left school with solid GCSEs and is off to Pontefract College to study A Level Geman and Psychology and do an AVCE in Hospitality & Management.

With ambitions to make a career for herself in tourism, Kayleigh is longing to get as far away from Castleford as possible. Aware that she depends strongly on her family, Kayleigh also understands the importance of finding her identity away from her comfort zone and is keen to gain her independence.

Kayleigh's parents have kept a tight reign on their daughter and a close eye her long-term relationship with boyfriend Chris. Once out of the grasp of her protective parents, how much advantage of her new-found independence will strong-minded Kayleigh take?

Laura Ellis

Laura was brought up on the songs of Shirley Bassey and Frank Sinatra, which gave birth to her deep-held ambition to be a West End singer. She won her first talent contest at 14 and is now entering the 'Search for a Star' competition where the winner stands to take home £2,000.

With a place secured on a music and drama course at sixth form college in Pontefract and her family behind her, Laura is determined to make the most of her talent. But are adoring parents and childhood enthusiasm enough to make it as a singer in the highly competitive world of musical theatre?

Laura Duxbury

Laura is a pretty, hardworking girl of 16 who wants nothing more than to leave Castleford and spread her wings. Having blazed her way through GCSEs Laura will be the first in the Duxbury family to go into further education.

Acutely aware of the mantle she carries, Laura is determined and ambitious. She has her sights set on a career in Law and a salary that will reflect the glamorous lifestyle she aspires to.

Ben Swarbrick

Ben was spotted by a model agency when he was working part-time in a clothes shop. He is starting a business studies course at Pontefract college but hopes to combine his business skills with a career in modelling.

At the behest of his agents Adrien and Julie, Ben takes his appearance very seriously and works hard on personal grooming and building up his body at the gym. However, Ben also has to be a model of behaviour as he has started going out with his agent's daughter.

Lee Land

Lee grew up on the toughest estate in town and hasn't left his tough guy roots behind. His greatest ambition is to play rugby league for his favourite team – the Castleford Tigers.

Having scraped through his exams he has just managed to secure a place at college where he imagines he'll have a lot more freedom than at school and, more importantly, more chances with the ladies. Lee clearly has a talent for rugby but struggles with adapting to change and has a reputation for getting into trouble.

Can Lee prove to the talent scouts that his troubled past is behind him and that he is fit for the team?

Ben Parrot

Sixth form college was not an option for Ben who failed his GCSEs. He has been encouraged by his stepdad to take a job at the local Next warehouse so he can contribute to the household expenses.

Outside of working hours Ben has formed a mod band, The Tickets, with three of his friends. With his stepdad acting as roadie and number one fan The Tickets seem to be on the up.

Can Ben keep up with the demands of early morning starts at work as well as evening band rehearsals and late night gigs?

Bradley Morton

Bradley was resigned to a life as a pit miner like his father before unexpected GCSE results caused him to re-think his options.

As the eldest son, Bradley becomes the man of the house when his father has to move further away to get work. With a keen sense of responsibility Bradley is determined to have a career not just a job. Having enjoyed his time as a sea cadet in younger years, Bradley decides to investigate the possibility of joining the Royal Navy.

Will he break his mother's heart and leave home for a life on the high seas or fall at the first hurdle of the tough application process?