A young man living with cerebral palsy has achieved a breakthrough in his career by securing a modelling job, following his appearance in a BBC documentary. Elliot Caswell, who expressed feelings of both nervousness and excitement about this opportunity, shared his journey on BBC Breakfast.

The documentary, titled A Life of My Own, was directed by Rachel Price, who spent five years documenting Elliot’s experiences after meeting him on a flight in 2019. At 25 years old, Elliot candidly discussed the challenges he faced while searching for employment.

On the day the segment aired, a senior art director from Primark happened to watch the show and noticed Elliot’s potential as a model for an upcoming clothing line. The art director reached out to Elliot via social media through a modelling agency.

Recently, Elliot traveled to Manchester for a two-day photoshoot, where he was joined by Rachel. She reflected on the transformation she witnessed over the years, noting how Elliot evolved from being a shy young man reliant on his mother for support to someone who brightened up a room with his charisma.

During his appearance on BBC Breakfast, Elliot emphasized the importance of inclusivity within the workplace. His mother, Chris Caswell, remarked that modelling perfectly showcased Elliot’s personality. Since the release of the documentary, she observed significant changes in her son’s life. She highlighted that while Elliot faces certain limitations, he possesses much to offer and enjoys engaging in customer service roles.

Elliot expressed interest in pursuing more modelling opportunities but also hopes to find customer-facing work. His ideal job would involve Newcastle United, the football club he passionately supports.

Photographer Esmé Moore, who also has cerebral palsy, noted that it was remarkable for Elliot to have his first shoot at this point in his life. She explained that individuals with vibrant personalities are often easier to photograph because their character shines through on set.

Charlie Magadah-Williams, Primark’s head of diversity and inclusion, stated that they were committed to hiring a diverse range of models and found Elliot to be an excellent fit for their campaign. She remarked on how rewarding it has been to see him thrive in this new role and reiterated Primark’s dedication to enhancing accessibility for both employees and customers alike.