- Ben Wilby, 12, starred as Bob in Nativity 3 due to be released soon,
- Has starred in all three Nativity films alongside stars like Martin ClunesÂ
- This is despite being diagnosed with craniosynostosis at the age of two
- The plates in his skull failed to fuse correctly after birthÂ
- He underwent a nine-hour operation to relieve pressure on his brain
- His parents were told he may not wake up, talk or walk after the procedure
- But 10 years on he has become and actor and won dance competitions
Madlen Davies for MailOnline
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A young boy who stars in the film Nativity 3 defied the odds to become an actor and dancer after doctors warned he may never walk or talk again after brain surgery.
Ben underwent a nine-hour operation because the plates in his skull had not fused correctly after birth.
The youngster, from Cannock, Staffordshire, was diagnosed with craniosynostosis when he was two years old.
Ben Wilby, 12, worked alongside stars such as Martin Clunes in the new film Nativity 3. He is pictured at the premiere last Sunday
Ben, who plays Bob in the Nativity films, has starred alongside Doctor Who actor David Tennant and Catherine Tate as part of the trilogy. Here, he is pictured at the premier in London’s Leicester Square
Ben beat 500 other young hopefuls to win the role of Bob in the hit film, Nativity, and has now starred in all three films
Doctors warned his parents he may not survive the procedure to relieve pressure on his brain.
But a decade later and Ben, now 12 years old, has starred in all three Nativity films, alongside co-stars Martin Clunes, Catherine Tate and Ralf Little.
Last weekend he joined them at the premiere of Nativity 3, in London’s Leicester Square.
Ben, who plays ‘Bob’ in the films, underwent the complex operation at Birmingham Children’s Hospital when he was two years old.
Craniotosis, which occurs in one in 2,000 children, is a condition where one or more of the plates in an infant’s skull fuses too soon after birth.
It can cause pressure in the brain, which can lead to blindness, sleeping and eating problems, as well as problems with mental development.
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His terrified family were told he may not survive, but Ben, who attends the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, recovered.
He has since gone on to launch an acting career and win dance titles including European freestyle champion.
He beat 500 other hopefuls to the role of Bob in the first Nativity film – turning up for the auditions wearing fake tan, fluorescent green hot pants, matching leg warmers and a T-shirt emblazoned with the words Born To Dance.
Ben’s mother, Jill Wilby, said: ‘He just loves these premieres.
‘He loves having his picture taken and mixing with stars on the red carpet.
Ben underwent a nine-hour operation when he was two-years-old because the plates in his skull had not fused correctly after birth. His parents were warned that he may never be able to walk or talk. Here, he is pictured after the procedure at Birmingham Children’s Hospital
 Nativity 3, Dude Where’s MY Donkey, is out in cinemas on November 14. Ben (pictured in a green hood) stars alongside Martin Clunes and Mark Wooton
Ben turned up to the auditions for Nativity wearing an audacious outfit comprising neon green shorts, legwarmers and a t-shirt with the slogan Born To Dance on it
‘The film has lots of laughs, as usual, but it is a real tear jerker. I advise people to take their handkerchiefs when they see it.’
Celebrities who attended the premiere included EastEnders actor and Strictly Come Dancing hopeful Jake Wood and X Factor reject Jake Quickenden.
Ms Wilby added: ‘It has been an incredible ten years since Ben’s operation.
‘Doctors warned us that if Ben survived the operation he might never walk or even talk.
‘Since then he has become a European dancing champion and has starred in three major films. He is my miracle boy. Dancing and acting is all he has ever wanted to do.
‘We have never really pushed him – he was the one doing the pushing.
‘He lives to perform and put a smile on people’s faces.’
Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey will be screened in cinemas from November 14.
Ben, pictured with his mother Jill, has won a number of dance trophies on top of his acting career, including the title of European Freestyle Champion
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