ACTORS with learning disabilities are set to star on TV show Shameless.

And they’re hoping to break-down barriers and challenge stereotypes in their TV appearance, which has been described as risky and controversial.

For Almondbury’s Joanne Kempley, 20, and Honley’s Emma Langford, 27, appearing on the small screen is a dream come true.

The women both have Down’s syndrome and they appear on Shameless with fellow actors from Full Body and The Voice (FB&TV), a leading drama company which is working with the TV producers on the storyline.

The characters the FB&TV actors play are revolutionary in terms of the representation of learning disabled people – they are seen drinking, swearing and behaving badly, just like the other characters in the cult series.

It’s the first time either has been on TV and Joanne said: “I knew the programme and was really interested and happy to be in it. It’s a big important show so it was a big chance and what actor doesn’t want to work in TV?”

Emma added: “It was great. Very exciting. I knew it would be hard work.”

Lynda Hornsby, business director at Full Body and The Voice, said: “The actors and their families are very supportive of this.