An Oswestry-based studio has halted production on its latest feature film after its lead actress discovered she was pregnant.

Filming on the Run For Your Life film, a Rocking Horse Studios project, has been postponed until next year following an on-set romance between Christie Kelly, 18, and the film’s director, Gareth Thomas.

With an anti-bullying premise at its heart, the film relates the story of Jess Andrews, a young girl who uses sport and an unlikely friendship to overcome personal torment after she suffers domestic abuse.

Though unexpected, the couple said they are delighted at the news and have the full support of everyone involved with the film.

Gareth said: “As director of the film, I’ve been working ever closer with Christie – so much so, that we ended up becoming an item.

“I really think that this is something we should embrace, now it has happened. Christie was cast in July last year and she’s been playing a top-level athlete in the film, which means she needs to look the part.

“We thought the longer the pregnancy goes on, the more difficult it will be for her to hide the fact she’s pregnant and we didn’t want to push things too much for Christie – so we’ve all agreed to delay any more filming until next year.

“All the cast members have been really supportive about our news and are completely understanding about the delays on filming.

“This project has always felt like a family working together and there’s a great bond between all of the cast and crew, and there’s been a real family feel when we’re working together.”

With the baby due in March, Christie is hopeful she can reprise her role as Jess as early as next summer

She said: “We’re both really excited – it’s going to be a big challenge but it’s something we’re really looking forward to.

“If all goes well, the baby might even be with us on set as soon as July – we’ll have to see how things go.”