Celebrity agent becomes friend to stars like Jason Manford

Carla Speight has captured stunning shots of TV stars and celebrities performing on stage after earning their trust and friendship.

Robbie Williams

Jason Manford, Robbie Williams, Lewis Capaldi, Olly Alexander, Rita Ora, Rod Stewart, Frank Skinner, Lionel Ritchie, the Kaiser Chiefs and Katherine Ryan are just some of the big names she has worked with.

Katherine Ryan

The 35-year-old has now moved her celebrity agency to Knutsford after spending years on location working with stars we all know and love.

And it all began with a disposable camera her mum gave her when she was a little girl.

Lewis Capaldi

"I quickly worked out that the device she gave me had the power to capture a moment in time and hold memories that last forever," said mum-of-two Carla.

Rita Ora

"From the first time I held the developed images in my hand, I was hooked.

"My nan and grandad were like lovesick teenagers and had these looks between them, I captured them having a laugh.

Olly Alexander

"At family get togethers I took images of people interacting with each other."

As her technical skills and tenacity developed, she offered to take pictures of performers at gigs, concerts and festivals in exchange for free tickets.

Rag'n'Bone Man

"It was mind blowing for me to see my teenage heroes," said Carla, who gradually built up her portfolio, writing reviews, interviewing stars and eventually turned her hobby into a publicity and marketing business.

"I have been very lucky and blessed in my career. Getting to know celebrities as real people is fascinating, they are completely different to what you'd expect.

Frank Skinner

"I met my hero Sarah Millican who is just wonderful. I worked on tour with Jason Manford for six months. He is a massive supporter of mine.

Jason Manford

"Al Murray is a real gentleman, very kind and polite. Johnny Vegas is so kind and generous.

"Stars have recommended me to each other."

Her clients include Jason Manford, comedian Paul Smith, Married at First Sight cast members Marilyse Corrigan, Luke Dawson, Megan Wolfe and Bob Voysey and Liverpool's Lu Ban's chef Dave Critchley.

Carla also works with businesses large and small and is keen to help local firms.

She also offers comedy career consultancy, podcast development and marketing.

The former Knutsford Academy student cherishes every assignment.

"From a working class girl to being where I am, I have to pinch myself," said Carla. "I am living my dream job.

"My dad's advice was so true, 'do something you love and it doesn't feel like work'."