‘Shocked’ lad, 13, awarded prestigious drama scholarship in memory of tragic Manchester Arena victim Saffie-Rose Roussos

IN life, little Saffie-Rose Roussos loved to sing, dance and entertain. Tragically, the talented eight-year-old never had the chance to fulfil her potential ­­— she was the youngest victim of the horrifying terror attack on the Manchester Arena during an Ariana Grande concert nine years ago. Nasrideen Karadjallah holding his prize at school in East London Credit: Olivia West Nas and his head teacher Omar Deria at Excelsior Academy Credit: Olivia West But today, thanks to her incredible legacy, another remarkable young person has been given the chance to pursue their passion for performing arts. Nasrideen Karadjallah, from Hackney, East London, was stunned to be awarded a prestigious drama scholarship set up in Saffie’s memory. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The Sun surprised the gifted 13-year-old at his school Excelsior Academy, where he thought he was turning up for football training. Nasrideen, known to his friends as Nas, was speechless when presented with his scholarship — but the huge grin on his face said it all. He said: “I’m shocked. I didn’t think I’d get it. I can’t believe it. “I am really excited. I feel really proud of myself. I feel positive. “This is a lovely achievement and it is the best thing I have ever had.” The budding actor will now receive a year’s worth of weekend drama coaching, as well as a £5,000 holiday voucher for a trip with his family. Most read in The Sun Elizabeth with her son Nas Credit: Olivia West Saffie-Rose Roussos, who was youngest victim of Manchester attack Credit: Collect – Family Three years ago, Saffie’s parents Andrew and Lisa Roussos teamed up with The Sun to establish the Saffie’s Smile award — aimed at celebrating an extraordinary young person. This year, for the first time, the deserving youngster is awarded a year’s scholarship to the prestigious Pauline Quirke Academy in memory of Saffie’s love of performing. The acting academy — which has 270 centres across the country — is one of the leading drama schools for emerging talent in the UK. We were inundated with deserving entries, but Lisa and Andrew carefully selected Nas before congratulating him. Andrew said: “He’s a very deserving winner. “Saffie loved everything about performing arts, and knowing Nas will benefit from access to the scholarship just adds to our daughter’s legacy.” Andrew told him: “It was difficult to judge the scholarship because there were so many strong entries. “What stuck out for us was your video nomination. You’re very passionate and we think you’re perfect. Don’t forget us when you’re rich and famous now, will you? Prize givers Lisa and Andrew Roussos in Cyprus in May Credit: Niki Fernandez – Commissioned by The Sun Saffie’s parents congratulate the budding actor via FaceTime Credit: Olivia West “Honestly, Nas, you’re so deserving. We wish you everything in life.”Nas’s drama teacher Sue Bailey decided to nominate him after spotting his ability on stage and in lessons. His mum Elizabeth had no idea what the nomination could lead to. She said: “I got a call from his teacher saying, ‘He’s really good at acting and he’s just generally a lovely boy, and I want to put him forward for a scholarship.’ “I didn’t really know what avenue it was going to take, so I didn’t think too much of it at the time. “I can’t believe it either. It’s such an amazing thing to happen and I’m so grateful to Saffie’s parents for seeing in Nas what I do.” Having pored through entries from all corners of the UK, Nas’s talent, circumstance and discipline stood out for Andrew and Lisa. In his video entry, he said it could be “good or bad” growing up in Hackney with gang members sometimes “waiting to see your downfall.” Winning means he will now be able to attend his local Pauline Quirke Academy every Saturday for three hours of specialist performing arts training. The sessions will give him the chance to develop skills across acting, directing and stagecraft, as well as opening the door to future auditions and performance opportunities. The academy was started by Birds Of A Feather actress Pauline in 2007. It is a huge passion of the much-loved actress, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2021. Her son Charlie, who now heads the school, is delighted to partner with the Roussos family and The Sun on the special Saffie scholarship. He said: “Congratulations to Nasrideen. Birds Of A Feather’s Pauline Quirke Credit: Rex Features Ariana Grande at the 2017 Manchester benefit concert Credit: Handout – Getty “Watching his entry video, what resonated with me was how much confidence he already draws from being on stage, and how it makes him feel happy and capable of achieving his goals. “We’re delighted to welcome him to PQA and help him build on that confidence while developing his passion and skills as a performer. “There is also something special about him going to school in Hackney. My mum Pauline grew up around there, and it is where her love of performing started. “She has always believed that every child should get the chance to perform, so we are especially pleased that Nasrideen can now take this next step.” Nas, who splits his time living with his grandmother as well as his mum, has overcome a lot to develop his young talent. Elizabeth said: “As a younger child, he experienced difficulties with speech and language and was diagnosed in primary school with Developmental Language Disorder. He had speech delays when he was younger which lead to the diagnosis. It was a challenge for him, but you wouldn’t notice it at all now. “He’s in the top sets for everything at school, which is amazing when you think that some children with DLD can really struggle with things like reading.” While Andrew and Lisa hope to see Nas in the West End or Broadway or winning a Bafta or Oscar when he gets older, acting isn’t the only talent the quiet and shy teen has. A keen footballer, he is currently on trial with Arsenal and Chelsea. Omar Deria, head teacher at Excelsior Academy, was on hand to give Nas his scholarship, and reckons he is the sort of child who seems able to turn his hand to almost anything. He said: “He’s brilliant at basketball and is one of the really good kids. “He’s in with a good group of friends, is always kind to other students and the first to help with anything that’s needed. “He definitely needs to be channelled in the right way as his life can be challenging but this scholarship means so much to him. “We all believe in him here but having that external belief from people like Andrew and Lisa is huge.” Described by his mum as a “ball of energy”, Elizabeth told how Nas’s warm personality means people are instinctively drawn to him. She said proudly: “He’s wonderful and there’s not much he can’t turn his hand to. “He’s very, very sociable and has a great number of friends. People just seem to really warm to him. “He’s had this lovely, warm personality since he was very young. He’s shocked and overwhelmed today because he really didn’t think he stood a chance, so this is incredible.” The family’s prize of a £5,000 holiday voucher comes courtesy of On The Beach. Caspar Nelson, VP of marketing at the travel firm, said: “We’re thrilled that Nasrideen has been named this year’s winner. “His resilience, determination and talent are truly inspiring, and this recognition could not be more deserved. “It’s wonderful to see him thriving and being recognised for his remarkable potential. “We hope the scholarship and trip create unforgettable memories for him and his mum and open the door to many more exciting opportunities. “We’re incredibly proud to support Saffie’s Smile alongside The Sun and to help celebrate an exceptional young person with such a bright future ahead of him.” For Nas, the scholarship could be the beginning of something quite extraordinary. And judging by the huge grin that finally appeared as the shock wore off, the Saffie’s Smile Awards 2026 has found the perfect winner. Comment now