14 top talents to watch out for in 2017 – as chosen by current TV stars

Lives

In Forest Hill in south London with my boyfriend.

Early days

I wanted to be a gymnast and then hurt my back, so I started doing drama classes. I got into the Central School for Speech and Drama on my second attempt!

You might recognise me from

Cucumber, created and written by Russell T Davies.

My hero

Olivia Colman; she’s bold and clever. Sarah Lancashire is also a goddess to me.

Coming up in…

In the Dark [coming to BBC1] And I’m in Barber Shop Chronicles at the National Theatre in June.

Dream job

A big glossy American HBO series or an epic film series, like Star Wars.

Russell T Davies says

“Fizz has done so much and yet he’s still limitless and untapped. And so much fun, too! I’m jealous of all the writers who will get to work with him.”

8. Luisa Omielan

34, Comedian

Lives

I’m living with my mum in Redditch. It’s not where I thought I’d be at 34 but we’re getting there! That’s what happens when you dedicate your life to comedy… 

Education

I went to school in Hampshire and university in Salford. I got a first in performing arts, but I couldn’t get an agent. Stand-up was the only way that I could get into the industry.

You might recognise me from

I’ve toured my show, What Would Beyoncé Do? around Australia and the US. I also took part in Comic Relief.

Role model

I love American comic Amy Schumer — I wish we were as encouraging with female comedians here. The UK TV industry is stale, slow and dominated by men. The female audience is often ignored, especially when it comes to comedy.

Coming up in…

What Would Beyoncé Do? was filmed for BBC3 — it’s on iPlayer and is going to be shown on BBC1.

Dream job

To have a run off Broadway in New York with What Would Beyoncé Do? And for Richard Curtis to make a film of it… featuring Beyoncé.

Dawn french says

“Luisa will have you helpless with laughter, then on the way home you’ll realise you still have her with you somewhere deep… A huge talent.”

9. Isaac Carew

31, chef

Early days

My parents split up when I was three, so when I did see my dad, it was always in his kitchens. I left school at 16 to work at his gastropub then went to college for two years to train as a chef.

First job

Working for Angela Hartnett at the Connaught was the best and worst time of my life. I learnt so much, but was working 18 hours a day and not eating — obviously I was tasting food but I wasn’t actually eating anything.

You might recognise me from

When I was 22 I was scouted in the street and started modelling. I’ve done campaigns for Hermès, Reiss and Swatch. I’ve also got a food blog called The Dirty Dishes.

Coming up in…

Channel 4 saw my blog and asked me to be on a cooking show with Michel Roux Jr called The Ultimate Shopping List. And my first cookbook is coming out next year.

Alex Menzies, deputy head of features Channel 4, says

“Isaac is a talented new chef, who we are delighted to have found.”