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Seven years ago Jamie Bell had the world at his talented feet after dancing his way to stardom in Billy Elliot. His stunning performance won him a Bafta at the age of just 15 and critics were convinced he'd be Oscar-nominated.
But far from being disappointed at missing out on the Academy Award, the Teesside-born actor says it's the best thing that could have happened to him.
"I think it would have ruined my life," he states. "Can you imagine going back to school on the Tuesday after winning an Oscar? You'd be nuts. It's unsafe this industry to a young person. You need to be protected and to keep good people around you."
Though he became a household name with his moving portrayal of Billy - the working-class boy desperate to be a ballet dancer - Jamie, who is now 21, says child stardom isn't something he'd recommend.
"I watched the Oscars last year and I see Abigail Breslin, that little kid, getting nominated for Little Miss Sunshine, and [Best Supporting Actor winner] Alan Arkin said the best thing of the whole evening when he said, 'Thank God she didn't win. We've just saved this kid.' And it's so true.
"They're so quick to put you on a pedestal. You have to surround yourself with good people who love you for who you are and who you can trust. You're not the one who changes, it's just that people don't know how to deal with you when this stuff happens."
Jamie credits his own mum Eileen for ensuring he...