Millions of viewers tuned in to Sunday's eagerly anticipated BBC adaptation of Jane Eyre.

The Charlotte Bronte classic boasted big names, including James Bond villain Toby Stephens and Brassed Off's Tara Fitzgerald.

But in Bradford, the most keenly awaited performance was from Bradford Girls' Grammar School pupil Bethany Gill.

The Wilsden 12-year-old was plucked from obscurity to play Jane's cousin Eliza Reed.

Bethany's only acting jobs to date had been school productions, so she was thrilled and a little gob-smacked to land the plum role.

"I went for the part of little Jane Eyre first and was shortlisted, but didn't get it because I was too tall and too old," she said.

"I was really, really, really, excited. I was not expecting it. I went for the audition and thought I had no chance."

But succeed she did and before she knew it Bethany was filming in the Derbyshire wilds alongside Stephens (Edward Roch-ester), Francesca Annis (Lady Ingram) and newcomer Ruth Wilson (Jane Eyre).

"On set you had a caravan with your name on the door. I had my own little toilet and couch.

"It kind of made me a prima donna, maybe a bit.

"I liked all the attention and stuff, but it's also kind of embarrassing.

"They announced it in assembly, which was weird."

Beth nervously had settled down to watched the first episode of the four-parter with some of her best friends.

"It was really weird, because Beth was sat next to us and we were seeing her on the screen," said Harriet Hinchcliffe.

Esme Firth added: "I thought she was amazing. She was really confident and really professional. She really gets into the character."

Susan Severn, the school's head of drama, said Bethany had always been a very energetic performer.

"You only have to show her a part once and she runs with it," she said.

"She can play old ladies as well as young girls as well as old men. She prefers to challenge herself by going for something different.

"The thing I like about her is that she's modest, which is nice because you don't want a prima donna going round school.

"She's got her foot in the door and I'm sure she will become famous one day."

Bethany is concentrating on school at the moment and does not have any new roles lined up, but she is sure her future lies with acting.

"I was a bit loud when I was younger and really dramatic," she said.

"If I hurt myself I would scream and shout. I was that kind of child, so I suppose I've always been into drama."

e-mail: jonathan.walton@bradford.newsquest.co.uk