By Claire Cooper, reprinted from p.18 of August's Lindfield Life magazine

You may have stood behind her in the queue at the supermarket, sat at the next table in the local pub or even shared an energetic zumba class but never realised you were in the presence of one of the best loved children’s characters of this generation.

Now Lindfield Life can reveal the world famous celebrity who has made the village her home.

Zumba teacher and professional photographer Esther Featherstone is better known to millions of children (and many young adults!) as Bella from the Tweenies!

Esther brought Bella to life in 2001 and spent two years as a Tweenie, touring the world, appearing in 27 episodes for BBC and making DVDs which are still watched worldwide.

Esther explained how she landed the coveted role after graduating from the Italia Conti drama school.

“I was spotted while appearing in the drama Children of Eden and invited to attend an audition,” she said.

“The Tweenies  were already up and running but the original Bella was moving on and they were looking for a replacement. I auditioned for the experience, never believing that I would stand a chance of getting the job!”