Kidulthood star Adam Deacon surprised 80 young Londoners when he made a guest appearance at a social media debate.

The Hackney-born actor kept the panel on their feet, firing questions throughout the debate which saw young people discuss the role social media plays in their lives.

He said: “Nowadays, there’s Twitter so politicians can say they’re listening to young people, but they’re not listening, it’s just a big tick box.

“They might see the tweet - but are they actually doing anything about it?”

But the 30-year-old also saw the positive side of online platforms, pointing out that young people now have an unprecedented voice.

“I wouldn’t be doing half the things I was doing if it wasn’t for social media,” he said.

“If it wasn’t for my online fan base I wouldn’t have won my Rising Star BAFTA in 2012.”

The two-hour debate last week at ITV studios on the Southbank was organised by the Media Trust and The Jack Petchey Foundation charities.

It was filmed last week for London360, a magazine-style show produced by young Londoners, and will broadcast on the Community Channel on Friday February 21 at 9pm.