Sainsbury’s Christmas advert 2018 – Brit schoolgirl star hopes to become next big thing after being picked to sing in ad
Tia Grace Issac was picked after her teacher sent a video of her singing to a casting agency
A TALENTED schoolgirl is set to become the next big star when she appears in the new Sainsbury’s Christmas advert on Monday, The Sun on Sunday can reveal.
Adorable Tia Grace Isaac was plucked from obscurity to sing in the heart warming commercial shot by famed Hollywood director Michael Gracey.
But the eight-year-old was so good that her mum now fears they won’t be able to shop at their local supermarket without being recognised – and producers are tipping her for big things.
Telecommunications worker mother Judith, 50, reveals in an exclusive interview: “I’m very proud of Tia. She’s done so well and it’s hard to believe this is happening.
“We are looking forward to getting together and having a party to watch the advert.
"We’ll be feeling excited and a little bit nervous to see her on screen, but very, very proud.
“I don’t think Tia understands the concept that she is going to be famous. It’s a lot for her to take in.
“People will recognise her in our local Sainsbury’s, because we’re always in there. And now she is the star of their advert!”
The Sun on Sunday was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes preview of the new flick about a girl trying to find the nerves to sing the New Radical’s hit ‘You Get What You Give’ at her school’s Christmas show.
A total of 60 ordinary children were involved in the eight days of filming in October at Stoke Newington Town Hall in north-east London.
Tia’s talent was spotted by a teacher who sent off a video of her singing to a casting agency, who then showed it to Sainsbury’s producers working with Greatest Showman director Gracey.
Yet the schoolgirl, from East Ham, east London, reveals she won the part despite being rejected for a slot on The Voice Kids.
She said: “I’ve always wanted to be a singer and started singing when I was three. I would sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for my family and put on shows.
“I would love to be a pop star one day. I was auditioning for The Voice Kids, but they said no, so this is my first lead role.
“I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet. I can’t wait to see it on the TV.
“I love the Greatest Showman so I kept asking Michael to sign autographs for me.”
Gracey told The Sun on Sunday: “Tia was absolutely incredible and so funny as well.
"Whenever I gave her direction I would never be sure if she had taken it in – and then she would absolutely nail it.
“She has an amazing voice that is so pure. One of the things I love about Tia is that she didn’t go to the normal theatre schools and so she is so natural.
"All the other kids were blown away by her voice and she has the potential to be a huge star.”
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