AN ACTOR who has starred in shows featuring Austin Butler and Jack O’Connell returned to Priestley College to provide an acting masterclass for the current cohort.

Corin Silva, who studied Drama at Priestley, ran the workshop as part of the college’s Acting For Camera specialism.

“It’s great to see young people so full of energy and enthusiasm and my message to them is to just keep it going,” he said afterwards.

Audiences have recently seen Corin in the hit BBC1 drama Rogue Heroes, which stars Connor Swindells, Jack O’Connell and Alfie Allen. He also played Lt Col John Bennett in Masters of the Air – the lead of which was Hollywood star Austin Butler.

During his return to Priestley, Corin watched the college’s budding actors perform a scene from Fleabag.

After each pair had performed the actor gave his feedback and they reran the scene to see what improvements they could make.

Drama Tutor Helen Lowe said: “It was such a valuable experience for our class to learn from someone who really is working with the best in the business right now.

“Not only that, but the fact Corin studied drama here and went on to such great things really does help them believe they could do the same.”

On his IMDB page Corin is noted for his ‘physicality, stature and distinct vocal quality’ which often sees him cast as the villain. However, it goes on to say he is more than just a ‘brooding presence’ thanks to directors tapping into his comic timing, charm and gentle nature.

During his visit to college his message to the Priestley acting cohort was to believe in themselves and not to idolise those who have made it too much.

“Celebrities can be put on such a pedestal, which is bad because it makes you think there is a pedestal and there isn’t,” said Corin.

“You can aspire to be like them, but don’t ever think you can’t make it. It’s just a matter of time and work. If you don’t quit then you never fail.”