He has become a shining TV star.

But Slaithwaite teen Ruben Reuter, who has Down’s Syndrome, is taking his new found fame all in his stride since becoming a leading role in a CBBC drama.

Ruben, 15, is a well-known face on author Jacqueline Wilson’s weekly The Dumping Ground, a spin-off from the Tracey Beaker Show, after first appearing in the role on March 6, mid way through series three.

Dedicated to the adventures of youngsters in a children’s home, Ruben plays the character of Finn Mclaine, who comes to live there after running away from his foster parents.

Picked following a cameo role in season two, he appeared in each show until the end of the series, which finished airing on Tuesday.

And so successful was he in the filming, which took place last year, he was asked back to star in the entire fourth series, which he has just finished filming in the north east for broadcast next year.

Ruben Reuter plays the character Finn McLaine in the CBBC series The Dumping Ground

He swapped his home in Slaithwaite to live on set with the other young actors from May to November.

His mum, Kim Reuter, who run’s the Shabang! theatre group for children with additional needs, said: “It’s been a fantastic opportunity for Ruben so far and he was delighted when he was asked back to film series four, which he came home from filming last Friday.

“I think he initially got the role because a producer remembered him from 2013, when he starred in a documentary on the channel called My Life.

“He got the role for that because he’s a good swimmer and was spotted by the production crew”.

Kim talked about Ruben taking up the role of Finn.

This was the trailer for Series 3 of The Dumping Ground if you're not familiar with the programme.

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“For season three he was away from August to November 2014 and for both seasons he spent five days each week in the north east, only coming home at the weekends by train.

“It was a big change at first for us but we just got used to it.

“As long as he’s happy and enjoying it then there’s nothing to worry about”.

“On set he lived with the other actors in a bunk house and had the same demanding schedule as everyone else.

Young actor Ruben Reuter, pictured at the Watershed, Slaithwaite.

“He had a one to one tutor for five hours a day, so he had to fit in teaching with filming, which sometimes began at 7.30am in the morning.

“He would get his scripts, learn his lines, have a rehearsal and then filmed it”.

The experience has helped Ruben to learn more than just his lines.

“It has been a very involving process but he’s been very well-cared for and has made some brilliant friends.

“Through being in the show he’s learnt a lot about acting and has a good repertoire of accents.

“He’s also matured and learnt a lot of life skills there because he hasn’t had his mum to solve his problems and has had to do things like make friends himself”.

Kim commented on the significance of having an actor with Down’s Syndrome play a lead TV role.

“I think it’s fantastic for the world because it’s one of the first times that a person with Down’s Syndrome has had a main role in a series.

“The series has had a diverse list of actors, including two others with Down’s Syndrome.

“I think Ruben’s appearance will have changed children’s and other people’s perceptions about those who have Down’s Syndrome.

“Young people are very accepting with one another and I think it has just taught them that if people are different that’s fine.”

Ruben Reuter, who has Down's Syndrome, as Finn Mclaine of The Dumping Ground on CBBC

The series was recently nominated for two Children’s BAFTAs, whose winners will be revealed on Sunday.

“The show was nominated for best children’s drama and best interactive adaptation in 2015”, said Kim.

Ruben is now back studying at Royds Hall Community School.

“We’re waiting with baited breath to see if he’s needed for series five but even if he doesn’t get asked back it will be fine because it’s been such a positive experience for him.

“Royd’s Hall have been incredibly accommodating and have allowed him to re-do year 10 to catch up and he’s already completed a BTEC in performance arts.

“Since March he’s had an acting agent, Mark Jermin Management, who got in touch with us after seeing him on the telly.

“We decided to go for it because who knows what’s in the pipeline.

“He’s a very adaptable boy and acting is a way of life for him.

His dad Russ Elias and I are actors and run Shabang through which we film educational resources using our young actors so he’s grown up around theatre and was involved with the groups we put on from an early age.

“We’re just delighted for him”.

Founder members of Shabang!, Russ Elias & Kim Reuter as characters from their latest DVD All At Sea, Reg & Bet
Founder members of Shabang!, Russ Elias & Kim Reuter as characters from their latest DVD All At Sea, Reg & Bet