Charlotte Church’s son Dexter makes acting debut in Richard Burton film

The son of singer Charlotte Church and former rugby player Gavin Henson has made his acting debut in a new short film.

Dexter Henson, 16, stars in Waiting for Burton, about a schoolgirl who wants to follow in the footsteps of her idol, Richard Burton.

The film, set in Wales in 1977, follows Siwan, played by Sadie Evans, who is eager to meet Burton – voiced by Matthew Rhys – when he visits her school.

Speaking at the screening of the short film, Henson – who plays Siwan’s acting rival Rhydian – said he had enjoyed swapping his dad’s old stomping ground for a film set, adding he had “had enough” of rugby.

“[Acting] is more of a recent passion. I was more into rugby since about the age of five,” he said.

“I wanted to try something different, literally a completely different thing, but I love it.”

Speaking about his character Rhydian, he said he “wasn’t the nicest guy – I hope I’m not like him” but added he had fun playing him.

Asked for advice for other budding actors, he said: “Learn your lines, show up on time, don’t be late.”

Waiting for Burton was written by Joe Wiltshire Smith, directed by Philip John Jones, produced by Anna Arrieta and executive produced by Gert Thomas.

Roger Burnell MBE, managing director of It’s My Shout Productions, said they worked with communities whose voices may not otherwise be fully represented, teaming up with BBC Cymru Wales on a series of short films.

“Waiting for Burton, a short film made in Merthyr, is a fine example of that,” he said.

Waiting for Burton is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.