An Essex schoolgirl who was told she would struggle academically due to being deaf has made her Netflix debut with a starring role in the festive comedy film 'Christmas on Mistletoe Farm'. The film centres around the story of a widowed father who makes a bumpy adjustment to village life after inheriting a farm at Christmas time.

Delilah O'Riordan, 11, plays the eldest of five siblings, Rosie Cunningham, who want to stay at the quiet location forever. Delilah, who suffered from severe hearing issues and was deaf when she was younger, rubbed shoulders with Celia Imrie (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Calendar Girls and Absolutely Fabulous), Scott Graham (Pompidou and Billy Elliot The Musical) as well as director Debbie Isitt (writer and director of all four Nativity! films).

Her mum, Dr Michelle O'Riordan, said: "Delilah suffered from severe glue ear causing deafness from the ages of four to eight. We were told that most people with her level of hearing loss would give up academically and become disruptive. Delilah didn't do either of those things and this hearing loss makes her achievements all the more remarkable. She is the most tenacious person I know.