Ben Hardy is among the British names who have been tipped for greater things, after making it into the UK Stars of Tomorrow 2015 list.

The former EastEnders actor, who next stars in X-Men: Apocalyse, joins up-and-coming performers Alex Lawther, Billy Howle, Charlie Heaton and Joe Alwyn on the shortlist.

Alex Lawther
Alex Lawther (Anthony Devlin/PA)

Alex, who portrayed the young Alan Turing in The Imitation Game, will next take on his first leading role in the indie movie Departure, which launches at the 2015 BFI London Film Festival, while Billy appears opposite Saoirse Ronan and Annette Bening in The Seagull.

Charlie, best known for his TV roles in the series DCI Banks and Casualty, has just filmed opposite Naomi Watts in Shut In and next films with Winona Ryder in As A Friend, and Joe will make his big-screen debut in Ang Lee’s Billy Lynn’s Halftime Walk alongside Kristen Stewart and Steve Martin.

Ellie Bamber
Ellie Bamber (Ian West/PA)

Actresses who have made the cut include The Falling’s Ellie Bamber, Cider With Rosie star Bebe Cave, Fresh Meat’s Faye Marsay, Glue’s Charlotte Spencer and Jess Barden, who will next be seen in The Lobster with Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz.

The list of 32 names of actors, directors and writers was selected by Screen International, in collaboration with the BFI London Film Festival.

Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch (Joe Giddens/PA)

They follow in the footsteps of previous recipients of the title such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Gemma Arterton, Hayley Atwell, John Boyega and Jack O’Connell.

Matt Mueller, Screen International’s editor, said: “Now in its 12th year, Stars of Tomorrow continues to serve as a great showcase for young talent, and we are delighted to be presenting them for the first time at the BFI London Film Festival.

“The young actors, directors, writers and producers we have chosen are a real testament to the amazing talent that exists in the UK and Ireland. I have no doubt we will be hearing much more from our Class of 2015 in the years ahead.”