The Disney Channel’s new series The Lodge proves a massive hit – and could have discovered the next Zac Efron
Scottish acting talent Thomas Doherty takes on the role of carefree Sean Matthews
DISNEY'S new all singing, all dancing TV series The Lodge burst onto screens captivating fans in its first episode - and the High School Musical style drama looks to have discovered the next Zac Efron.
The action-packed storyline draws strong similarities to Zac's hit flick - where he plays hunky Troy Bolton - and the latest addition to the Disney Channel has even been released in the movie's 10th anniversary year.
It delves into themes of love, friendship and self-discovery as teenager Skye (Sophie Simnett) makes the switch from city living to rural life following the death of her mum, with acting scenes switched up with nine original, toe-tapping songs.
Ahead of securing the highest number of viewers for a series premier on the channel for the past four years, The Sun Online exclusively chatted to budding star and show heartthrob Thomas Doherty who said he was "contemplating" a career mirroring Zac and his co-stars.
The Scot, who plays fun-loving yet sensitive Sean, told us: "I've always wanted to sing, always wanted to dance.
"For Disney you look back and look at High School Musical and it's the same thing.
"Its grown up with me - I was in my early teens when it came out and it was popular, though I was a wee bit embarrassed in high school to watch then!
"When this audition came up it was the perfect combination of everything I wanted to do.
"Maybe I am just contemplating the possibilities.
"Everything has gone into this project but it would be amazing if we had another opportunity to meet up with the guys again and come to this beautiful part of the country.
"But it's exciting exposure-wise, this will go all over the globe."
Meanwhile Jayden Revri, who plays Noah, added to us: "You can't predict whats going to happen but obviously if we do the best we can and pray that it goes as big as High School Musical - which I really hope it does.
"I'd say the same with Zac - it's how hes been a Disney star then gone on to exploding and being this amazing person who does those crazy films, I'd love to do that."
The series was filmed in a secluded lodge on the beautiful Northern Ireland countryside.
Commissioned by Disney EMEA, it will be broadcast in more than 100 countries so chances are the profiles of Thomas, Jayden, Scarlett and co will rocket just as quickly.
Its supporting cast also includes TV's 8 out of 10 cats star Ellie Taylor, Footballers' Wives actress Laila Rouass and Marcus Garvey of Broadchurch fame.
The cast has already had a taste of celebrity lifestyle, with top showbiz stylist Eve Collins picking out heir clobber for three of the nine music videos.
Eve aimed to keep the look "really fresh" and "character led" as well as ensuring it appealed to a teenage audience.
Talking of her experiences shopping for and styling a celebrity crowd she said: "I've been with Disney for a really long time, although I'm freelance.
"My very first project was a big European and London tour for High School Musical Two.
";It was with lovely Zac and Vanessa (Hudgens), they were really excited - they had to explain to me what High School Musical was.
"I think he (Zac) quite liked the fact we didn't know and it's quite nice to come across stuff like that."
She added: "I have been working with Selena Gomez since she was 15.
"I absolutely love my little Se Se.
"Whenever I need to do anything with her I get booked."
Meanwhile, the talented bunch of stars have been fully prepped ahead of being catapulted into the worldwide spotlight.
Thomas told us: "We've been given quite a bit of training as to what to do with hackers and people impersonating us
"In that respect I feel we are quite prepared.
"It's all a possibility, it might not."
The Sun Online was treated to an exclusive glimpse of Believe That - the foot stomping track which sees the entire cast perform together in an upbeat tune centred on self-confidence.
It oozes just as much feel-good factor as any HSM number and with a contemporary plotline touching on everything from love triangles to social media, fans are sure to be glued to the remaining episodes.
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David Levine, Vice President, Programming, Production and Strategic Development, Disney Channels EMEA and General Manager, Disney Channels UK & Ireland added: “We couldn’t be prouder of the way The Lodge is resonating with viewers in the UK, driving them to engage in impressive numbers across multiple platforms.
"For a local production to make its mark in this way, and so early on, is testament to the quality of the show.
"Audiences are connecting with its themes, which are so relevant to their lives, soaking up the incredible music, and responding to the talented cast."
The Lodge's 10-part series airs on The Disney Channel.
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