Teenage carer to join roller skating cast of Starlight Express

A Scots teenager who helps her unwell parents by caring for her sister has accepted a challenge of a lifetime - to join the London cast of Starlight Express.

Seventeen-year-old Eloise, from East Ayrshire, will get her skates on to join the high-speed musical in a special performance for Children in Need.

Andrew Lloyd Webber revealed on Friday's The One Show that Eloise would join the show's Challenge Squad - four inspirational young people who have benefited from BBC Children in Need funding and are now taking on unique challenges to help make a difference to young lives.

She will perform on the charity's appeal night telethon on Friday 14 November.

Eloise, 17, has joined The One Show's Challenge Squad and will perform with Starlight Express performers

Eloise has been supported by East Ayrshire Young Carers since she was nine.

Her 18-year-old sister Elyssa needs round-the-clock care due to a rare genetic condition which means she has epilepsy, autism and limited communication skills.

With both parents coping with complex health conditions, Eloise plays a vital role in her family, taking care of her big sister, so this challenge represents her chance to shine.

Millions of TV viewers will watch her join the roller skating Starlight Express performers on Children in Need night.

Presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp with the Challenge Squad, including Eloise (back, right)

Eloise will spend the next few weeks rehearsing with the cast before the big night.

She said: "It's is going to be incredible.

"I've already started practising, met the amazing cast and even had the chance to get my skates on.

"BBC Children in Need has made a real difference in my life by helping to fund East Ayrshire Young Carers, so I wanted to take on this challenge to give back and help other young people.

"I'm going to give it my absolute best."

Eloise will perform with the Starlight Express stars on 14 November

One Show star Alex Jones is mentoring Eloise ahead of her challenge.

She said: "It's a joy to be back with the Challenge Squad this year. These young people are truly remarkable - full of courage and determination.

"I'm so proud to be working with them and helping to share their stories with the nation. The challenges they're taking on are no small feat, but we know they'll each give it everything they've got."

The Starlight Express production is joining this year's Children in Need fundraising effort by donating a portion of ticket sales.

Staff will also do in-house collections during shows at the Troubadour Theatre in Wembley.

The theme of this year's appeal is "challenge yourself". To donate, please visit the fundraising page.