George Sampson wants a permanent role on 'Emmerdale'.

George Sampson

George Sampson

The former 'Britain's Got Talent' winner is currently starring as troublemaker Ryan in the long-running soap but he's hoping bosses like him enough to make him a regular on-screen.

Speaking to Star magazine, he explained: "I went in for four episodes and they never said, 'That's it now.' Then suddenly I was given another, then another, then another. I'd love to have a permanent role. It's a massive year for the show."

And the 22-year-old star - who shot to fame at the tender age of 14 - believes landing the soap role was a lifeline.

He said: "I was going through a rough time. I didn't have an agent and was looking after my grandad, who was poorly. Then he passed away and I wasn't concentrating on work. I got a call from ITV saying, 'We've got this part we want you to do.' I assumed it was a joke. It's meant that I've been acting again, so it's more experience for me."

However, George - who wowed the 'BGT' judges with his impressive dance moves eight years ago - has admitted his dancing has taken a "backseat" since he landed the role.

He added: "Dancing has taken a backseat since I started acting. It's so hard to fit training in but I'll never stop dancing."