Creative Media Student Stars in BBC’s Virdee

Following a recent role starring in Virdee on BBC One, a former student has taken time to speak positively about his time at Bradford College.

Represented by Articulate Agency, Yousef Naseer secured his spot in the prime time crime thriller with the role of Ateeq Farooqi.

With previous successful stints in the likes of Ackley Bridge and The Dumping Ground already on Naseer’s CV, the 19-year-old has now well and truly put himself in the national spotlight.

Talking about his studies as a Level 3 Creative Media student at Bradford College, he said: “The Creative Media Production course with Bradford College allowed me to learn so much about a different side of the industry. I already had experience in acting, but this period of time at the College helped me gain knowledge about the side that makes performances possible. Being behind the camera certainly built an understanding and appreciation when in front of the camera.”

While now at University of Salford, Yousef holds fond memories of studying Creative Media Production at Bradford School of Art.

“The staff clearly have a passion for teaching the arts and were always finding new ways to support students”, he continued.

“I’ve never really been a classroom type of person and sixth form wouldn’t have worked for me. I wanted a college with strong facilities and equipment, as well as plenty of extra opportunities. Bradford College has endless industry links, so I chose it as my best chance of breaking into the industry.

“The resources are amazing and easily accessible too. As a student, not needing to worry about any sort of financial costs or limitations on your creativity is so beneficial.”

Televised earlier in 2025, Virdee is a six-part series inspired by the novels of A A Dhand. Just like Dhand’s writing, filming of the successful drama took place across Bradford with a significant amount in a small radius of the Bradford College campus.

After the popularity of season one, viewers are now already pleading for a second instalment of the show.

“The work I’ve put in over the years is slowly paying off with roles like this one in Virdee, but I always want to push for more”, Yousef concluded.

“My goal is to land one big role and go from there. While I’m taking it day-by-day, there’s opportunities everywhere in the world of TV.”

Has Yousef Naseer’s story inspired you to pursue a talent or passion? Do you know someone who’s the perfect fit for our brand-new T Level in Media, Broadcast & Production? Find out more here.