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A teenage footballer from York, born with a rare genetic skin condition, has recently secured a part in the CBBC series Jamie Johnson FC, a development his family is incredibly proud of. Ethan, who is 14 years old, has congenital melanocytic naevus (CMN), a condition characterized by large birthmarks that can cover a substantial portion of the body, sometimes up to 80%. Despite this, his parents, Tom and Abbi, emphasize that Ethan’s birthmark has never defined him, highlighting instead his determination and resilience as key to his success.
Ethan’s role in the show places him among aspiring football players at the fictional Hawx United academy during its fourth season. His opportunity came while he was involved with the York City FC Academy, and his casting followed an audition where he demonstrated his football skills by playing in a match against the show’s current actors. This led to him being selected as a member of the squad. Sam Talbot, the executive producer of the program, said Ethan’s inclusion embodies the show’s core value: representing children from all walks of life. Talbot explained, “We want all children to see themselves represented on screen and to feel that they belong in the stories we tell,” adding that reflecting the diversity of their audience remains central to the show’s mission.
Although Ethan’s role does not involve speaking lines, he still received significant screen time and close-up shots. For someone without prior acting experience, this was a unique experience. Ethan himself described it as largely new to him and admitted that one of the biggest challenges was maintaining a straight face during filming. While he did not specifically set out to represent individuals with visible skin differences, his parents believe the exposure has significantly boosted his confidence. Tom and Abbi expressed how proud they are of him, with Abbi saying, “He’s just is who he is,” and noting the acceptance their son has encountered from those around him.
Having completed filming, with the series now available on BBC iPlayer, Ethan is refocusing on his passion for football. Nonetheless, he said he would be keen to return for another season of the show, enjoying the experience immensely. “It was really fun and I enjoyed all of it,” he shared. The combination of his TV stint and football career seems to have strengthened his self-assurance as he continues to pursue his dreams
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