Drama student Gary Tushaw is set to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Hopkins and Glenda Jackson - by landing a place at one of the world's most famous drama colleges.

The Billericay student beat 2,000 starry-eyed hopefuls to get on the books of the world-renowned Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

The academy has proved a breeding ground for the greats and its list of alumni reads like a roll call of the famous.

Gary, 18, of St Helen's Walk, endured three rounds of interviews - including a marathon a nine-hour final audition - to get in.

He said: "I'm just over the moon. The college principal rang straight after the audition and offered me a place, which is unusual, because others had to wait.

"Everyone is really surprised I got in, because it is so highly-respected and so many people apply.

"They've all been very supportive."

The achievement is the latest in a whirlwind stage career. Last year he met Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels star Vinnie Jones at Prince Charles' birthday celebrations at the Lyceum Theatre.

The former Mayflower County High School pupil also beat hundreds of hopefuls to win a place with the world-famous National Youth Music Theatre and spent much of last year touring with the group.

In between, he has managed to pack in appearances at the Edinburgh Festival, on BBC TV's Blue Peter and at Andrew Lloyd Webber's 50th birthday show at the Albert Hall.

Yet despite his abundant talent, Gary still remains one step away from securing his future.

He still needs cash backing for his stardom bid.

He explained: "The Government does not give grants to students at the college because they are not doing a degree.

"It's ridiculous that you can go to a less eminent university and get a grant but you cannot get one for one of the most famous drama colleges in the world.

"The course fees are £9,000 a year, so if there are companies out there you could help out I would be keen to hear from them."

Picture, top: RADA-bound - actor Gary.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.