'Tough little Derby lad' and Worst Witch tipped for BAFTA success

The Midlands has two chances at claiming a gong at tonight's BAFTA award ceremony.

Felicity Jones from Birmingham is up for Leading Actress for her role in The Theory of Everything - about the life of Physicist Stephen Hawking and his first wife Jane.

WATCH: Felicity Jones reminisce about happy times at Snobs night club.

Jack O'Connell from Derby is nominated in the Rising Star category for his part in Unbroken - directed by Angelina Jolie.

WATCH: Jolie praises Jack O'Connell - and tries her hand at a Derby accent

Both actors found their feet at the Television Workshop - at the time linked to Central TV - under the watchful eye of Ian Smith.

Ian remembers accompanying Jack to a screen test for Notes on a Scandal - where he had to kiss Cate Blanchett - but thinks he missed out because he was just a little too young.

He says both he and Felicity were "incredibly talented kids" - Felicity was often up against Samantha Morton for roles, but had her first break with The Worst Witch.

So the Midlands needs to keep its fingers crossed tonight!