Voice actor discovered talent watching nature shows

Jim Burke, 22, from Ipswich is a voice actor with a dream of one day working on Star Wars films

A voice actor who honed his craft by giving voices to animals while watching David Attenborough programmes said he screamed with joy after finding out he had been nominated for a prestigious award.

Jim Burke, 22, from Ipswich, has been doing voiceover work since 2019 and is also studying digital film production at university.

Along with his family, he still playfully gives fun voices to animals on the nature programmes and has worked on several impressions too.

His voiceover work has now led to him being just one of six people from 4,000 entrants nominated as best newcomer in the One Voice Awards.

"I've always been interested [in voiceovers]," he said.

"My mum and dad, and my nan and grandad, used to do the voices of the animals on the David Attenborough programmes.

"Meerkats and all sorts, and doing the different voices for it. I still do it."

Mr Burke also developed a love for the Star Wars films as a child and realised he could replicate many of the films' voices.

Several years ago he started professionally working as a voice actor and has his own home recording studio.

Mr Burke has perfected his impressions as well, with his favourite being Ronald Reagan, the former actor who became the 40th president of the United States.

He can also impersonate actors Christopher Walken, Ian McKellen, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine among others, and he can even do Kermit the Frog.

Mr Burke's impressions include British actor Michael Caine, who is known for his distinct Cockney accent

The One Voice Awards take place in May and Mr Burke explained there were "very few" voiceover awards.

He received his nomination for his voiceover on an advert called The Cave by Tanza Activewear.

"There was a lot of excited screaming going on," he said of the moment he found out.

"[My family] think it's amazing, it's a perfect opportunity for me to get into the awards and they were over the moon.

"Again, a lot of screaming from them."

Mr Burke said it had been an "honour" to be nominated in the One Voice Awards

Mr Burke hoped a potential win in the awards could open big future opportunities.

"It'll definitely give me the kickstart I desperately want. I desperately want to get into the big voiceovers," he continued.

"The dream would be Star Wars, but while I wait for Lucasfilm to pick up the phone I'll do audiobooks, adverts, animations, radio dramas, anything."