Joe Cole began his acting training with the National Youth Theatre, despite his young age Screen International Star of Tomorrow Joe Cole has already gone on to earn critical acclaim across the board for his work in television, theatre and film.

Joe's was most recently seen on our television screens in the BAFTA award winning British teen drama 'Skins', a quirky drama which followed the lives of a group of dysfunctional sixth formers from Bristol. He took on the role of 'Luke', a rebellious yet somewhat charming gang leader. Joe was commended for being "brilliant at unpacking the complexities of the character". Joe's other television credits include the BBC's successful series 'Come Fly with Me', and five-part ITV drama 'Injustice' which aired in June 2011. In addition to this he featured in BBC Three's well received pilot 'Stanley Park'.

In 2011 Joe starred as the lead in Mark Gutteridge's short film 'Assessment', winner of the jury prize at Film London Best of Boroughs Awards at BAFTA. Joe also played the role of 'Benno' in 'Hand', released by Gary Simpson films. In addition to this, Joe took on the lead of 'Sam Baker' in Mahalia Belo's dark mystery, 'Volume', released in March 2012 by NFTS, which received a very positive reaction.

Joe stars in his new film role OFFENDER (released 8th August 2012) and has already hit number 8 in the Box Office. Joe plays Tommy with fantastic ferocity. Tommy gets himself locked up in a young Offenders Institution so he can get at the ruthless thugs who beat up his pregnant girlfriend. Tommy is a single minded career criminal with a real get up and go attitude.

On the role Joe says "It was just a really in depth challenging part. Those roles for actors in my playing range are hard to come by, mostly they are offered to guys in their thirties. It was a real opportunity show some of what I can do, and delve deep into the character that goes through the mill. I just found that really exciting, the actual challenge of a more slight guy going into prison to tackle these blokes that were much bigger than him, and have some level of success was a huge challenge. The script itself is slightly far fetched and to make that feel real for the audience was something I relished. I could relate to him, in a sense that he acts and he does not sit around and hope. He gets up and he gets moving. I personally wouldn't do what he did I think that is fairly short sighted. But in the way he takes action I can relate to that. I want the general public coming away showing emotion. I hope the film impacts on them the way it has impacted on me. Ultimately I do want them to be entertained. Ron Scapello the Director was fantastic. He was brilliant. I established a great rapport with Ron from day one of shooting. Sometimes he didn't need to speak to me. I knew what he was thinking sometimes when he just looked at me. We'd shoot a scene and I'd just know what he wanted".

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