Having been asked to audition for Jamie Johnson FC through his managing agent with a model portfolio, Zac Wattley had a number of auditions before booking the role of Finn in the spin-off series to Jamie Johnson for his first regular TV role, with the series airing on CBBC and BBC iPlayer. Alongside acting and modelling, Zac is also a footballer, currently in the U13 team for Ipswich Town FC, and has been with the club since the age of seven. Recently, we caught up with Zac, who answered our questions about playing Finn in Jamie Johnson FC, how it felt booking his first screen role and being a footballer with Ipswich Town FC U13.

Can you tell us about your character Finn in Jamie Johnson FC and what is he like to play?

Finn is a follower and a real people pleaser. He really wants to be stronger and liked by his teammates. He is easily manipulated but also does not like people being unkind. Finn is one of the top players in the footy squad.

It has been really good fun playing the character of Finn because he is a nice person but also funny.

How much did you know about Jamie Johnson before auditioning for the new spin-off series and how did you feel booking the role of Finn for your first regular character on screen?

I was eight years old when I started watching the Jamie Johnson original series and really loved it. I knew the entire story as I had watched all the different series that came out. I was so excited when I found out I had been successfully cast as Finn. It made me feel VERY happy and I could not wait to go away and start filming – a brand new life experience for me at the age of 11 years old!

What is it like on set of the show and what do you enjoy most about being part of the series?

Being on set was lots of fun, but also very serious as we had a job to do and needed to focus. The crew and cast were all really kind and made me feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the cameras. The directors were very friendly and great to work with.

My favourite bit about being part of the series was spending time around the cast – living together away from home and making friends for life. We had lots of fun off set and some really cool days out. I enjoyed the experience of being on set surrounded by lots of lovely crew members and cameras – you don’t realise how many people are involved behind the scenes.

What is it like working alongside the rest of the cast and how was it meeting them for the first time?

To begin with, meeting the cast felt a bit awkward as I did not know any of them or what to expect. However, within just a few hours, I was off playing football and getting to know them. We spent so much time together on set working hard and then off set in the evenings – laughing, playing table tennis, football (of course!) and chilling. I really enjoyed filming alongside them and felt close to the cast. They have become good friends of mine.

Do you have a process for learning scripts and how are you finding the experience filming as a regular for a CBBC show?

Yes, I found my own way of learning the scripts. Each evening I looked at the lines I had for the following day and went over and over them. If I had big scenes with other cast members we would practice together. In the morning I would wake up and go over them again ready for filming. I found the whole experience proper cool!

How has it been seeing the viewers’ response to Jamie Johnson FC and what was it like watching the completed episodes when they were released on CBBC/BBC iPlayer?

It has been really cool watching everyone’s responses to the show. I have had some people say that I am their favourite character and they have been able to relate to my on-screen storyline. It does also feel a bit strange at times as I have been recognised in public as Finn.

I found watching myself on TV quite surreal – but it was so enjoyable and I looked forward to the next episode each week. When I was watching, I found myself remembering how many times it took to get the scene right and also what went on during filming that scene. I have liked sharing the experience of watching the show with my family and close friends at my house.

How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do?

I have a managing agent with a model portfolio and was asked to audition for the series. I went through a tough process with numerous auditions and was selected for the role of Finn. Acting is something I have never thought about doing before as I have always been so focused on my football. Now I have done it – I absolutely love it and want to do more!!

You are a footballer for Ipswich Town FC U13, how is your time going with the club?

My season with Ipswich Town FC Under 13s is going really well. I am working very hard and really enjoy my football. I have been with the club since I was seven years old so it has been a really amazing journey so far.

Can you tell us about your training with Ipswich Town FC U13 and what is the team like to be part of?

I train twice a week with Ipswich Town and, on one of those days, I leave school at lunchtime to go to the training ground for Day Release. The coaches work on strength and conditioning, psychology, game analysis and education with us. We train for the afternoon and evening. I also play matches every week against lots of other professional academies. My team is lots of fun. We have good banter off the pitch and play well and hard together on the pitch. It is a nice team atmosphere.

What are some of your favourite highlights from your career as a footballer so far?

I have played football for a few years and one of my favourite moments was scoring over 40 goals in one season when I played as a striker for Ipswich. A highlight has also got to be beating Norwich 4-0!!

Where does your love of football come from and how did you get started in the sport?

My dad!! He is my biggest role model. He has played football with me since I was old enough to have a ball at my feet! I have videos of me playing football with my dad from the age of two years old, with him teaching me skills and having lots of fun with me. I have always loved football and both my parents are very supportive – they come to watch all my matches. My dad is always happy to take me to the park and do sessions to help me improve.

Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch, and football players to support?

I like the Marvel films and I have been to watch them all at the cinema. I like watching I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! on TV. My favourite football player is 100% Jude Bellingham – he is a baller! I can learn a lot from him.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I spend my free time playing table tennis, football, seeing my friends and playing on the PlayStation. I also enjoy games nights with my family and playing/watching sports in general.

What are you hoping 2024 brings for you and do you have any upcoming projects that you can tell us about?

In 2024, I want to continue to play well in my football and also do some more acting jobs!

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