Freddie’s motto: Be kind, be brave

Freddie was born in North London on 11 November 2012, five weeks early and very poorly. Soon after coming home, we noticed a number of birthmarks, and he was later diagnosed at Great Ormond Street Hospital with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). It was scary as new parents, but we quickly realised that while NF1 would bring challenges, it would never define Freddie.

From a young age, Freddie loved performing. At six, I enrolled him at the Young Actors Theatre to help with his communication and confidence, and he thrived, making friends and discovering his passion for acting. A few years later, over dinner with my friend Dominique Moore, actress and founder of DMA London, I mentioned Freddie’s love of performing. Dominique suggested an audition for A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic Theatre — and Freddie got the role of Tiny Tim in his very first audition! For three magical years, he performed alongside Owen Teale, Christopher Eccleston, and John Simms, and met his amazing agent, Sarah from Ardent Talent.

Through Sarah, Freddie auditioned for Christmas Karma, written and directed by Gurinder Chadha, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Bend It Like Beckham. He got the role, and the film is due in cinemas on 14 November.

Living with NF1 can be tough, but Freddie never lets it hold him back. His advice is simple: “Never let it stop you from doing what you love. Be kind, be brave, and be happy.” It’s our family motto, and it sums Freddie up perfectly.

Freddie will be making his feature film debut as Tiny Tim in Christmas Karma. Also starring are: Kunal Nayyar, Eva Longoria, Billy Porter, Boy George, Danny Dyer, Leo Suter, Pixie Lott, Charithra Chandran and Hugh Bonneville.

Watch the official trailer