Calling budding young actors from Powys. A massive search has been launched to find two youngsters to take over the title roles in a hit TV series about a pair of mischievous twins with secret superpowers.

Production company Cwmni Da are looking for two child actors to take over the main characters in the multi-award winning S4C show, Deian a Loli. The current duo, Ifan Henri, 10, and Lleucu Owen, 11, are now too long in the tooth to play their parts in the popular Welsh language series.

The show has earned critical acclaim and scooped no less than three BAFTA Cymru awards, along with a host of other accolades.

Director and co-producer Martin Thomas says no previous acting experience is needed.

“Any young actors aged between nine and 12 are invited to send us a video telling an interesting story about themselves,” he said.

“It can be literally about anything they have done, have seen or just a figment of their imagination.

“The last time we carried out this exercise we received more than 550 videos and the previous time we got around 300 so the whittling down process will take a bit of time. We are looking for children with enthusiasm and a zest for life.”

By saying the magic word, ‘Ribidirew’, Deian and Loli are able to freeze their parents while they go off on fantastic adventures.

With preparations under way for the fourth series, Deian and Loli is now established as a firm favourite with Welsh youngsters and their parents.

Lleucu and Ifan were kept busy filming the 15-minute episodes until earlier this autumn after the Covid-19 pandemic upset the production schedule.

Both advised anyone applying for the roles to prepare their short videos carefully. They should be no more than two minutes long.

Martin said filming will take place in the Caernarfon area next May, shooting an initial 10 episodes and a further 10 the following year.

He added: "Ifan and Lleucu have been brilliant and I’d like to thank them for their amazing contribution to the success of Deian a Loli.

“The show fires up the imagination of the children and shows that they can have an adventure.

“Some of the tales might have a darker edge but it all works out in the end.”

The closing date for applications is January 3, 2022, and more details can be found on the Cwmni Da website at www.cwmnida.cymru.