A BAD Education could be the stepping stone to stardom for an Essex actor.

Ethan Lawrence, 21, starred alongside funnymen Jack Whitehall and Matt Horne in the BBC comedy.

Now Ethan is set for our TV screens again after filming scenes for Trying Again, a new eight-part comedy series on Sky Living.

Ethan, who lives near Maldon High Street, secured an audition last year and filmed in the Lake District in September.

He said: “This is one of the first major roles I have landed since Bad Education. It is exciting.

“It was great to get another offer for work.

“This is different to Bad Education, it was on location for one thing and this time it was based more on realism. It had a different feeling to it.”

Created by the Thick of It duo Chris Addison and Simon Blackwell, the eight-part series tells of Matt and Meg’s relationship. They are struggling with life after one has an affair.

The main roles are played by stand-up comedian Mr Addison and Jo Joyner, Tanya Branning in EastEnders.

Ethan plays a young man who is learning to drive.

Ethan, who is studying drama and creative writing at the Royal Holloway University of London, is working hard to finish his studies and direct a student musical of the Wedding Singer.

He said: “I think once university has finished, I will be in a good position to move on and do acting full-time. I am looking forward to the future.”