Sarah Lewis, 20, was picked to star in the National Health Service (NHS) commercial, which encourages people to get tested for chlamydia and is being shown to millions on ITV.

Instead of being embarrassed by the taboo subject, Sarah is passionate about helping protect young people against the infection.

She said: "I was so happy that I got the part. I wanted to raise awareness.

"It takes two seconds to protect yourself, and people are putting themselves at risk."

The 30-second advert, which was filmed in a Newcastle bar, was organised through the Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Chlamydia Screening Programme.

It is believed that chlamydia affects one in 10 under 25s and can have no symptoms but, if untreated, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease leaving both men and women infertile.

The advert is the latest step up the career ladder for Sarah, who lives in Sunderland Road, Horden with her mum Ellen Obuba, a nurse, and dad, Eddie Obuba, an engineer and part-time DJ by night.

But Sarah is no stranger to the limelight and was cast as pregnant teenager Becky in Geordie teen drama Byker Grove when she 14.

Prior to the Byker Grove role, she had a part in Catherine Cookson's ITV drama, Colour Blind, when she was nine.

Sarah, who has a sister called Jill, 21, has also appeared in many CBBC adverts as well as an Argos commercial.

She said it was her grandmother, Ellen Rudkin, 85, who died just before Christmas last year, who got her into acting.

She said: "When I was little I wanted to be a forensic psychologist, which is what my sister is doing.

"My nana was looking in the paper and there was an advert in the paper to apply for Colour Blind. My nana thought it was a good idea. But I was mortified that people might see me on TV.

"But I went along and there was 500 people for the audition and I ended up getting it. When I went into it I absolutely loved it."

Now studying for a degree in drama at Sunderland University, Sarah intends to move to Bristol once she has graduated for work opportunities.