Why an unknown Doncaster schoolboy is among the stars of the Netflix big budget Christmas film Jingle Jangle

Doncaster schoolboy Taio Burke is only 11 – but he has already performed in a big-budget musical alongside an Oscar winner.
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Taio, of Bentley, was snatched from obscurity to appear in 'Jingle Jangle', a Christmas film by Netflix which is set to be one of their highest profile releases this year. It stars British Oscar winner Forest Whitaker, as well as Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville, and has musician John Legend among its producers.

The youngster from Bentley has struggled to convince pals that he just made such a big film – but they are set to see him on screen with their own eyes when it is released later this year.

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Taio appears as a dancer, and is on screen for well over 30 minutes, after being recommended by experts who have worked with him.

Taio Burke, 11, of Bentley, will be appearing in  'Jingle Jangle', a Christmas film by Netflix.  Picture: NDFP-13-10-20 JingleJangle 5-NMSYTaio Burke, 11, of Bentley, will be appearing in  'Jingle Jangle', a Christmas film by Netflix.  Picture: NDFP-13-10-20 JingleJangle 5-NMSY
Taio Burke, 11, of Bentley, will be appearing in 'Jingle Jangle', a Christmas film by Netflix. Picture: NDFP-13-10-20 JingleJangle 5-NMSY

Don Valley School pupil Taio has loved dancing since he was tiny. Mum Jane Heptinstall, an insurance worker, said he used to switch over to the television music channels to watch hip hop dancing.

She said: “He’s been dancing since he was about seven, and goes to Nova City in Rotherham, as well as an organisation called Soar in Manchester."

While he was dancing with Soar, one of their organisers, Josh RIcketts, was approached by Netflix to help them find youngsters for their film – and he suggested Taio.

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"His main type of dancing is hip hop and commercial,” said Jane.

Taio Burke, 11, of Bentley, will be appearing in  'Jingle Jangle', a Christmas film by Netflix.  Picture: NDFP-13-10-20 JingleJangle 6-NMSYTaio Burke, 11, of Bentley, will be appearing in  'Jingle Jangle', a Christmas film by Netflix.  Picture: NDFP-13-10-20 JingleJangle 6-NMSY
Taio Burke, 11, of Bentley, will be appearing in 'Jingle Jangle', a Christmas film by Netflix. Picture: NDFP-13-10-20 JingleJangle 6-NMSY

"We used to put CBeebies on for him, but he just wanted the music channels. He used to do the hip hop moves that he saw on the television from when he was about two.

“We were amazed when Taio was put forward for a film – we couldn’t believe it."

The youngster was still a pupil at Bentley High Street Primary School when the film was made.

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He had to take time out of classes for the job. Jane said the school was very supportive, and still takes an interest.

Doncaster dancer Taio Burke at the film studioDoncaster dancer Taio Burke at the film studio
Doncaster dancer Taio Burke at the film studio

Filming was at Arborfield Studios, 40 miles outside London, with some work in Norwich.

"It was an amazing studio, “ said Jane, who made the journey with her son. “I think we were a bit shocked to think what we were doing there, just a normal Doncaster mother and son. We were working mainly with the dancers, but we saw Forest Whitaker and he waved to us.

"We went down there over a few weeks. We’d go down for a week, and then another week a bit later.

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"It’s going to be their biggest film over Christmas, and the music is amazing – John Legend did it. It’s a musical, like the Greatest Showman, and Taio is just amazing in it. He’s only 11, but he dances like an adult.”

Doncaster dancer Taio Burke at the  film studioDoncaster dancer Taio Burke at the  film studio
Doncaster dancer Taio Burke at the film studio

Taia has performed in Doncaster in the past – he was on stage at the Doncaster Caribbean Family Fun Day in Sandall Park last summer, after crowds had gathered to watch him dancing even though he was not on stage the previous year, when he was aged nine.

“Some of his friends didn’t believe him that he’s been making a big film,” she said. “They will when they see the trailer. They are really excited though, and Taio is such a humble boy – to meet him you wouldn’t believe it.”

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