AN ACTRESS who got her big break after being spotted at Tilbury railway station has joined Johnny Depp on the books of a top American agent.

Katie Jarvis, 17, the star of movie Fish Tank, recently awarded a top prize at the Cannes Film Festival, has been signed by United Talent Agency.

It represents stars including Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Although Katie wasn’t able to join Fish Tank’s cast and crew in the glamorous French Riviera resort because she had to look after her new-born baby, Lily Mae, she didn’t go unnoticed.

In fact, the Americans loved her performance so much, talent agent Billy Lazarus hopped on a plane to England to sign up the young starlet at the weekend.

A spokesman for United Talent Agency said: “Katie is an undeniable natural talent and we’re excited to get into business with her at this early stage of her career.”

Fish Tank is directed by Bafta award winner Andrea Arnold and also stars Kierston Wareing, 30, from Leigh.

Katie plays an isolated 15-year-old who lives with her heavy-drinking mother (Kierston) in a dreary council housing estate in Dartford.

But finding Katie wasn’t an easy process for the film’s crew.

Having exhausted all the usual channels with casting agents, the crew looked through youth clubs, markets and shopping centres in Essex, yet found nothing.

They had nearly given up hope when they spotted Katie in Tilbury arguing with her boyfriend Brian across the platform at the station.

From such an unlikely beginning, Katie, who lives in Tilbury, has gone on to wow fans and critics, who heralded the teenage mum’s performance “astonishing”.

The film also came in for its share of praise in Cannes, sharing the Jury award.

Katie will now be joint-represented by United Talent Agency and her British agent, Sue Latimer of ARG, who represent stars including Daniel Radcliffe.

A spokesman for Katie said she was very busy looking after her new baby.