In the CBeebies series Biff & Chip, Freddie James plays Kipper alongside a cast including Tilly Kaye (as Biff) and George Robinson (as Chip). Kipper marks Freddie’s debut acting role, which he booked from his first ever audition at the age of five years old. With Freddie’s role of Kipper beginning in Series 1, which started airing in 2021, Biff & Chip returned at the end of last year for a Christmas special, and a new series in February, where Freddie reprised his regular role of Kipper, and all episodes are currently available on BBC iPlayer. We caught up recently with Freddie, who answered our questions about filming for Biff & Chip, booking Kipper for his first acting role and working on the CBeebies series.

What is Kipper like to play in Biff & Chip and how would you describe the character?

Kipper was so much fun to play, I got to dress up in some really funny costumes like… a penguin, a cactus, a dog and even a Christmas tree. I love playing Kipper, it’s wonderful, and I made lots of good friends. Kipper is the youngest member of the Robinson family. He is very cheeky and does lots of funny things.

Had you read the Biff, Chip & Kipper books before auditioning and what drew you to the role of Kipper?

Yes, we had some of the books at school and at home that we read. When I found out I got the part, it felt strange seeing Kipper in the books and thinking that’s going to be me. I think I am very similar to Kipper. Kipper is very silly and fun. He has a great imagination and is always wanting to play.

What was it like auditioning for the show and how did you feel finding out you’d booked the role for your first acting job?

My mum and dad’s friends Jamie and Simon are my awesome agents and they put me up for the part of Kipper. I was five when I auditioned and that was the first audition I had done. My mum and dad said I did a self-tape at home and was asked to be seen again over Zoom with the casting director and then the production team. I had to go up to Manchester to be seen in person for the final audition, which was a chemistry workshop. I met my friends Biff and Chip there. One is called Tilly (Kaye) and one is called George (Robinson). I found out after Christmas I got the part. When I found out I got the part, I was so happy, I was running and jumping around the house with my brothers.

How did you find the experience on set of Biff & Chip?

I was really shy at first. It was the first time I had ever done anything on TV. I remember walking on set for the first time and seeing so many cameras, the set and all the crew. Everyone was so kind and nice to me. On our first day, we spent time getting to know each other, practising lines, and being shown how things will work on set. In the first series, my nana chaperoned me, which was so good. I stayed up in Manchester with either my mum or dad along with my nana at times throughout filming. We had other chaperones too, who were lovely.

What was it like working with the rest of the cast including Tilly and George?

All of the Biff & Chip cast are so lovely and really supportive. Tilly and George were like a real brother and sister to me… they looked after me. Kellie (Shirley) and Jack (Wilkinson), who play my mum and dad, were always making us laugh. Kellie and Mel (Walters) always looked out for me. Kellie has twins the same age as me so she was like my second mummy. Everyone was so nice… we had so much fun.

What do you enjoy most about being part of a popular CBeebies series and do you have any highlights from playing Kipper so far?

It’s really good. I’ve been recognised quite a bit when out and about, which is strange but nice. When the series was announced, Newsround showed some backstage interviews and footage. It was nice to see it, and nice as my brother Mark’s class watched it. He was very proud to share the news with his friends.

One of my highlights was when we did the episode Box Pirates in Series 2. Tilly, George and I were dressed as pirates and we got to throw wet sponges over the garden fence at Dorothy (Peters-Lowe) and Elkan (Ndzenyuy), who play Wilf and Wilma. I also got Kellie, who plays Mum, really wet with the hose. It was so funny.

While filming Series 3, my nana and older brother Mark were extras for two days of filming. That was so amazing to share Biff & Chip with them. My nana and dad were also in the background for Series 1.

How is it watching the completed episodes for the first time?

I felt amazed and speechless. The episodes were all so good. When the first series came out, my family and I watched every episode in one afternoon. When the second series came out, it was funny to see how much all the cast had all grown in just a year. I had all my friends and family saying well done, which was really nice.

What is your process for learning your lines in the Biff & Chip scripts?

I was only five in the first series, so I was still learning to read. My daddy would help me. I would learn the lines roughly for all the scenes for that week then make sure I knew the lines perfectly for the day of filming. My daddy and I would go through the lines every night before I went to bed. Then every morning. In the green room and on set, we would go through the lines with the cast before filming.

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you start?

I love acting… my dad acts too, so I think it comes from him. I went to drama clubs a few times. My mum and dad told me that I used to love pretending to be different characters all the time. I would be Simba from The Lion King for hours and ask everyone to call me Simba. I have a huge dressing-up box and would love to dress up all the time. Even now I love dressing up. Mario and Harry Potter are my favourites at the moment.

Do you have a favourite aspect of being an actor?

I like pretending I’m someone else and going to other worlds for adventures. I’ve always liked role play and making up stories and acting them out. My little brother Bertie, who is only four, likes role play too so we play together.

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?

I love the Harry Potter films. I’ve only watched the first three. I’m reading the books as well. I like Super Mario and Sonic, and I also like to watch Henry Danger and The Thundermans.

How do you like to spend your time away from acting?

I like to play on the trampoline with my brothers. I also like swimming, climbing, riding my bike and my scooter and seeing my friends and family. I also love to draw and make up stories.

What are you hoping the upcoming year brings for you?

I would love to do more acting. There is a new Harry Potter series that is going to start. I would like to be Harry or another part in it.

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