An actress who cut her teeth in productions at a Sudbury school and is now part of the cast of a hit Netflix show is an inspiration to pupils, says her former teacher. 

Hannah Dodd, who hails from Leavenheath and studied at Ormiston Sudbury Academy (OSA) until 2013, is starring in series three of Netflix period drama Bridgerton as Francesca Bridgerton, replacing actress Ruby Stokes.

Leo Cox, who was head of performing arts at the school when Dodd attended and is now assistant principal, said of her time at OSA: "She was brilliant. She was identified very early on as a real talent in the arts.

"She did dance and musical theatre and acting at GCSE and A-level. She was very very talented, and very very modest. 

"She also worked very hard, did all of her written work when she was supposed to." 

Sudbury Mercury: Hannah Dodd, who hails from Leavenheath and studied at Ormiston Sudbury AcademyHannah Dodd, who hails from Leavenheath and studied at Ormiston Sudbury Academy (Image: PA)

During her years at the school Dodd performed in several school shows, including as Frenchie in Grease and Scaramouche in We Will Rock You. 

Mr Cox said: "We are quite good at tracking our alumni when they leave and there's obviously a talent pool in Sudbury - we have quite a lot of students who go on to drama school or music. 

"Bridgerton is probably the first thing she's been in that is a real big, big thing.

"What we love the most about the success of Hannah and other students when it is so public is that our current students can see. 

"Seeing our students go off and be in a Netflix series or the West End really helps with their aspirations." 

Sudbury Mercury: Dodd went to school in SudburyDodd went to school in Sudbury (Image: PA)

The Bridgerton cast includes Phoebe Dynevor, who plays Daphne Bridgerton, and Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington.

The show first aired in 2020 and season three returned to screens on Thursday, May 16 at 8am.