LOCAL young actress, 13-year-old Rose McDermott, from the Wirral, stars as Ruby in BBC’s hit new drama, The Cage.

Created and written by BAFTA nominated Tony Schumacher (The Responder) and directed by Al Mackay (Kidnapped, Without Sin), the series, filmed and set in Liverpool, follows two casino workers in the city who discover they’re both stealing from the same safe, entangling them with each other, the police, and the gangster they are robbing from.

In the series, Rose appears alongside a star-studded cast including Sheridan Smith (Cilla, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps) and Michael Socha (This is England, The Gallows Pole). She plays Ruby, the daughter of Sheridan Smith’s character, Leanne. Casting was led by Shaheen Baig (Adolescence, The Immortal Man).

A pupil at Birkenhead High School Academy, Rose is also an avid football player, playing for both Wirral and Wrexham. She is represented by talent agency Scream Management. Senior Agent Jess Bell suggested Rose for the role after witnessing her performance at 1 of the agency’s acting workshops, where her talent shone through.

On playing Ruby, Rose said:- “Being cast in The Cage as my very 1st professional role is something I will cherish forever. The entire experience has been beyond anything I could have imagined; being on set, bringing Ruby to life and working alongside such incredibly talented people has been a dream. I learnt so much from all the actors and I am so proud to be part of this production. I am so excited for everyone to finally watch it and I really hope they love it as much as I loved making it!”

Rose’s parents, Dave and Bev, said:- “As parents, watching Rose film her debut role in The Cage has been 1 of the proudest moments of our lives. Her dedication and hard work throughout this process has been extraordinary, and she has given absolutely everything to bringing Ruby to life. Seeing her hold her own alongside such talented and experienced actors is something we will never forget.”

The Cage airs on this Sunday, 26 April 2026, at 9pm on BBC One. Alternatively, all episodes will be available immediately on BBC iPlayer.