The League of Austen Artists: Martin Clunes: Nativity 3 star defied the odds to become an actor after doctors warned he would never walk or talk after brain surgery

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Martin Clunes: Nativity 3 star defied the odds to become an actor after doctors warned he would never walk or talk after brain surgery

MAIL ON LINE
By MADLEN DAVIES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 09:35 EST, 5 November 2014 | UPDATED: 12:46 EST, 5 November 2014

Ben, who plays Bob in the Nativity films, has starred alongside Doctor Who actor David Tennant and Catherine Tate as part of the trilogy. Here, he is pictured at the premier in London's Leicester Square

Ben, who plays Bob in the Nativity films, has starred alongside Doctor Who actor David Tennant and Catherine Tate as part of the trilogy. Here, he is pictured at the premier in London's Leicester Square

A young boy who stars in the film Nativity 3 defied the odds to become an actor and dancer after doctors warned he may never walk or talk again after brain surgery.

Ben underwent a nine-hour operation because the plates in his skull had not fused correctly after birth.

The youngster, from Cannock, Staffordshire, was diagnosed with craniosynostosis when he was two years old.

Nativity 3, Dude Where’s MY Donkey, is out in cinemas on November 14. Ben (pictured in a green hood) stars alongside Martin Clunes and Mark Wooton

Nativity 3, Dude Where’s MY Donkey, is out in cinemas on November 14. Ben (pictured in a green hood) stars alongside Martin Clunes and Mark Wooton

His terrified family were told he may not survive, but Ben, who attends the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, recovered.

He has since gone on to launch an acting career and win dance titles including European freestyle champion.

He beat 500 other hopefuls to the role of Bob in the first Nativity film - turning up for the auditions wearing fake tan, fluorescent green hot pants, matching leg warmers and a T-shirt emblazoned with the words Born To Dance.

Ben's mother, Jill Wilby, said: 'He just loves these premieres.

'He loves having his picture taken and mixing with stars on the red carpet.

Cannock actor Ben Wilby at the London premiere of Nativity 3 Martin Clunes.