A CHILD actress from Llanuwchllyn is one of two talented youngsters playing mischievous twins with secret powers in a hit TV show.

Lowri Jarman, 10, has joined Gwern Jones, 11, from Llanrug, in taking on the roles of Deian a Loli in the new series on S4C.

Extra screenings had to be put on to accommodate the huge demand for tickets for premieres of the programme made by Cwmni Da for S4C’s children’s platform, Cyw.

Packed-out preview shows were held in Bethesda, Aberystwyth, Carmarthen and Cardiff, as well as an extra showing at the Pontio Centre in Bangor after the first three sold out in just 10 minutes.

Speaking on her new found fame, Lowri, a pupil of Ysgol O.M. Edwards, in Llanuwchllyn, said: “I was really happy when I heard I had got the part. Part of me was nervous but I was very excited."

The first two series established Deian and Loli as a firm favourite with Welsh youngsters and their parents.

As the original Deian a Loli, played by Erin Gwilym and Moi Hallam, were growing up, producers decided to recast the roles for the show’s latest outing. Gwern and Lowri were chosen from 600 children who auditioned.

By saying the magic word, Ribidirew!, Deian and Loli are able to freeze their parents while they go off on fantastic adventures.

Producer Angharad Elen was thrilled with the “overwhelmingly positive response” at all the venues.

She revealed the show is proving popular with TV critics across the UK and is shortlisted in the category for the Best Pre-School Children’s Programme at the prestigious Broadcast Awards.

It is going up against three of the biggest names in children’s television, Disney Junior, CBeebies and Nick Jr.

Angharad revealed she was inspired to create the Deian a Loli series by her own children, Cain, seven, and Syfi, five.

“I felt a bit guilty leaving them every day to go to work so I wanted to create something for them," she said.

“Deian and Loli are mischievous but they learn something each episode. The popularity of the premieres has been staggering. Deian a Loli mania is sweeping across Wales."