A local rising star is set to make her professional television debut this weekend in one of the year’s most anticipated new dramas.
13-year-old Rose McDermott, from the Wirral, stars as Ruby in the BBC’s hit new series, The Cage.
Created and written by BAFTA-nominated Tony Schumacher, known for The Responder, and directed by Al Mackay, the series is filmed and set in Liverpool.
The plot follows two casino workers in the city who discover they are both stealing from the same safe, a discovery that entangles them with each other, the police, and the dangerous gangster they are robbing.
Starring Alongside Industry Icons
In the series, Rose appears alongside a star-studded cast including Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha.
She plays Ruby, the daughter of Sheridan Smith’s character, Leanne.
The casting process was led by Shaheen Baig, while Rose herself is represented by talent agency Scream Management.
Senior Agent Jess Bell put Rose forward for the role after being impressed by her performance at an agency acting workshop.
Reflecting on her experience during production, Rose said:
“Being cast in The Cage as my very first professional role is something I will cherish forever.
“The entire experience has been beyond anything I could have imagined; being on set, bringing Ruby to life and working alongside such incredibly talented people has been a dream.”
Beyond her burgeoning acting career, Rose is a pupil at Birkenhead High School Academy and is an avid football player, currently playing for both Wirral and Wrexham.
A Proud Moment for the Wirral
The production marks a significant milestone for the young actress, who spent weeks on set navigating the complexities of a major television shoot.
Rose expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals on the project:
“I learnt so much from all the actors, and I am so proud to be part of this production.
“I am so excited for everyone to finally watch it, and I really hope they love it as much as I loved making it!”
Her parents, Dave and Bev, shared their pride in seeing their daughter excel in such a demanding environment:
“As parents, watching Rose film her debut role in The Cage has been one of the proudest moments of our lives.
“Her dedication and hard work throughout this process have been extraordinary, and she has given absolutely everything to bringing Ruby to life.
“Seeing her hold her own alongside such talented and experienced actors is something we will never forget.”
Viewers will be able to see the results of Rose’s hard work when the series premieres this Sunday, 26 April, at 9pm on BBC One.
For those who prefer to binge-watch the series, all episodes will be available immediately on BBC iPlayer.
