Owen Cooper's triumph at last weekend's Golden Globe Awards has been overshadowed by claims that Coronation Street actress Tina O'Brien feels "abandoned" by her former protégé.
The 16-year-old from Warrington collected the Best Supporting Actor prize for his acclaimed performance in Netflix drama Adolescence.
However, he made no reference to Ms O'Brien or her Manchester drama school, Drama Mob, during his acceptance speech.
Sources have told the Daily Mail that Ms O'Brien, 42, "was absolutely key in Owen's success, but she was forgotten last week."
Golden Globes 2026: Owen Cooper poses with his award | GETTY"It was pretty rotten to have left her out like that," the insider added.
The young actor thanked his family while addressing Hollywood stars, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, at the Beverly Hilton ceremony.
Ms O'Brien established Drama Mob alongside her friend Esther Morgan 13 years ago, motivated by a shortage of quality acting classes for her daughter Scarlett.
The school, based in a converted parsonage in the leafy Manchester suburb of Didsbury, offered weekend and after-school sessions aimed at championing Northern talent.
Tina O'Brien is said to be feeling 'abandoned' by the young star's glory
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Mr Cooper arrived four years ago as an awkward 12-year-old, still wearing his school uniform with his shirt untucked, appearing distinctly uncomfortable on the polished wooden floors.
Through weekly sessions, Ms O'Brien recognised his potential and encouraged him to participate in theatre productions before signing him to their talent agency and securing his listing on Spotlight, the industry casting platform used by directors.
When casting director Shaheen Baig approached Drama Mob seeking a young actor for Adolescence, Ms O'Brien and Ms Morgan submitted Mr Cooper's profile.
The absence of acknowledgment for Drama Mob has become a sore point among the school's teaching staff.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Owen Cooper in Adolescence | NETFLIXWhen Adolescence first aired, certain reviews implied Mr Cooper had received no formal training prior to his breakthrough role, which Ms Morgan said at the time "frustrated us a bit."
"We invest a lot of time in our young people, including Owen," she explained. "We really got to know him and his parents and supported them through the process."
Ms Morgan highlighted that the series was filmed in continuous single takes, arguing that Mr Cooper's ability to deliver such demanding performances stemmed directly from his training at their school.
"The fact that the show was done in one shot and Owen was able to do this is due to his training and us working with him," she said. "It shows the benefit of good-quality training."
Tina O’Brien is best known for her role in Coronation Street
| PAAppearing on ITV's Lorraine following the Golden Globes ceremony, Ms Morgan reflected on Mr Cooper's early promise: "I knew he was good enough back then."
In his acceptance speech, the teenager described his journey as "incredible," noting: "What started off as something I thought I might be okay at, I took a risk and went to drama classes.
"I was the only boy there, it was embarrassing. But I got through it and I'm still very much an apprentice, still learning every day."
He concluded with a nod to his Liverpool FC allegiance, declaring: "You'll never walk alone."
Netflix Adolescence: Owen Cooper plays Jamie Miller - a 13-year-old accused of killing a schoolgirl | NETFLIXMr Cooper's star continues to rise, with his portrayal of young Heathcliff in the forthcoming Wuthering Heights adaptation alongside Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi due for release next month.
Ms O'Brien, meanwhile, has yet to comment publicly on her former pupil's achievements.
GB News has contacted Ms O'Brien's representatives for comment on the reports.