Hollywood Calling As Derbyshire Actress Aims To Show Local Businesses
A Derbyshire based actress who has landed a spot in the Hollywood Blockbuster Aladdin, is using her journey through adversity, to inspire local businesses and women in business, to excel in their chosen careers - despite the cards that they have been dealt.
Buckso Dhillon-Woolley (45) from Alvaston, who recently appeared in the ITV crime drama Unforgotten, has also revealed that she recently filmed for the remake of the 1992 Disney film, Aladdin.
There really is no stopping Buckso, as she has not only appeared in the West End musical Bend it Like Beckham but has also bagged slots in many of the UK’s leading soaps- including Emmerdale, Casualty and Coronation Street, to name a few.
Buckso grew up in Stoke with her six siblings and her parents who were 1st generation Indian. Her father, who first came to the UK in 1957, insisted that, after failing to achieve any GCSE exams, she was to run the new business they had acquired, which became what she now calls a ‘mundane’ existence on the shop floor at her father’s off licence in Ripley. Desperate for some escapism, her path led her to a kindred spirit in a gentleman called James.
Buckso said: “I hated working in the shop and dreamt of a career in film and TV. I would read a whole Mills and Boon book in a day, just to inject some excitement into my life! #
“One day a customer came into the shop called James, who had been part of many an ensemble cast in the West End, and I was instantly mesmerised by his tales of show business. After he gave me a book entitled ‘From Film Star to Broadway’, I was inspired to take up singing lessons after work, to pursue my dream career.”
Being brought up in a strict Indian environment, performing arts just wasn’t accepted as a serious career for Buckso. It was expected that she would have an arranged marriage like her sisters before her.
"I saw the sadness that such arrangements brought to our family, and I watched my sister move to Canada after having an arranged marriage at the age of 18. I used to make excuses when attempts were made to match me to potential suitors and always questioned what was expected of me.”
After her father’s shop hit the rails and was sold, that’s exactly where Buckso ended up- on the rails! - landing a job with Midland Mainline as a customer host, where she met her future husband. Buckso’s golden ticket finally came after having twins in 2002mwhen she met her agent and after auditioning for him landed her first role in Corrie just three months later.
Buckso continued: “In the early days of my acting career I felt like a fraud! I remember being on the set of Corrie and not wanting to sit in the same Winnebago as Sally and Fizz in case they figured me out! I didn’t feel like I deserved to be there. After auditioning three times for the West End Musical, Bend It Like Beckham, I was finally offered the role of a busy-body auntie in the hit show, and it was here that my career stepped up to the next level.
Buckso's "adventures" didn’t end there however, and on the eve of press night she was mugged at gunpoint on the way back to her flat.
“Luckily, I was unhurt, and the robber only got away with some money that I had literally just drawn out of the cash point a few moments earlier. The next day after calling the police, the show had to go on, and my husband and sister came as my guests to see my debut performance in the West End. Sure, my father never actually said he was proud of me, but my sister later told me that he was talking to everyone who would listen about my performance.”
Buckso has now just revealed that she has filmed her scenes in the Hollywood Blockbuster live action film "Aladdin" alongside Will Smith and directed by Guy Ritchie. Filming took place last September, and although she still must remain tight lipped, she can now talk about this fantastic opportunity.
Buckso, who was star struck when meeting Will Smith, added: “I stepped out of my trailer on the first day, and who should be four trailers down from me? Only Will Smith!
“He is exactly the same in real life as he is on TV, and very very tall! He genuinely has presence"
When asked if she got a sought-after selfie with the man himself, Buckso added: “No I didn’t! Many of the younger ladies on set were getting photos with him, but one has to be professional at all times you know!"
You may be forgiven for thinking that the actress from Alvaston would be prone to a spot of name dropping, but in actual fact, Buckso is very much humble and takes everything in her stride. It is this cool, calm front which has led her to inspire other business owners – especially female business owners all over Derbyshire.
After setting up BC Lifestyle Events with business partner Lucy West, who runs her own successful health and nutrition business, the duo are set to run a series of events in the Midlands aimed at wellness, lifestyle and business, whilst also creating a platform for "women who speak" to give their story a voice AND a bank account (as she quotes from her coach).
Buckso continued: “After networking heavily for eight years, I wanted to raise the profile of local businesses in the East Midlands and put the city of Derby on the map. I have achieved my dream career despite extreme hardship, a lack of funding and certainly no ticket to drama school. I think that my tales and straight-talking nature can inspire others.
“Our debut event is set to take place on September 16th at The Derby Conference Centre and is completely free. It will give a stage to new businesses all over Derby in the health and wellness sector and will include expert speakers and stands on a range of issues. We will then be running our next event at the Derby Roundhouse on Saturday May 18th giving a platform to other more, lifestyle related businesses with fashion shows and entertainment.”
To attend BC Lifestyle Events debut event, or to find out more, please visit their Facebook page @bc lifestyle events or Instagram
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