9:25am Thursday 24th January 2008
By Nick Mashiter
BOXING brothers Dan and Ashley Belcher are hoping their appearance on Casualty will help them find a new gym.
The BBC1 drama, which is shot in Bristol, came to the Empire Boxing Club in the city to film scenes, which will air on March 15.
The brothers had to spar while filming continued. Among the cast being filmed around the brothers were actors James Redmond, pictured below, and April Pearson.
The episode, shot last week, centres on a fire in the gym and Dan was delighted to take part, even if the filming was strenuous.
"The BBC asked our trainer, Martin Bist, if we'd like to do some action shots for them," said the 17-year-old former Sheldon School pupil.
"It was really good fun and there were lots of cameras but it wasn't too off-putting.
"It was a really long day, from 9am to 8pm, and we had to do 14 or 15 takes. Then there were the re-sets when they filmed us from different cameras.
"We had to do about 80 and it took an hour and a half to do one little bit but they paid us £150 each so it was worth it."
Dan and 18-year-old barman Ashley, had to curb their brotherly competitiveness during the filming.
"Usually when we are sparring we get a little carried away," said labourer Dan.
"If he gets me with a good shot then I'll have to get him back with a better one, but we had to keep it in check."
Although not a fan of the show, they will be watching and recording their TV debut when it airs but Dan says he wasn't nervous.
He said: "I'm more nervous when I go into the ring for a fight but I wasn't worried about the filming.
"We'll be watching and all the actors were really nice and were saying how good we were."
But, along with younger sibling Ryan, the trio, from London Road in Chippenham, train in Bristol because there is nowhere closer.
They are desperate to find a local gym to save on the expense, which costs them up to £45 a week, when dad, John, can't take them.
Dan, who is training for the Amateur Boxing Association Championship in February, said: "We can't drive, so if dad can't take us we have to get the train.
"We'd be happy to go to Chippenham, Corsham or Calne, as long as it is closer.
"It's really important because I am thinking about turning professional when I am 19, so we need a new gym."
Abbeyfield School pupil Ryan, 13, echoed the thoughts of his brother. He said: "It is a long way to go and we really need to be closer."
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