John Dartnell, 49, features as a wizard in the forthcoming movie Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets.

He has only been an actor for two years but has played a variety of roles on the small and silver screens, although he admits to being cast mostly as a "wino".

However, it is his latest incarnation as an unnamed teacher of the magical arts which has most impressed his four-year-old son Bruce.

John, from Lewes, said: "He thinks it's very cool that dad flies around with Harry Potter, which is great really. I will certainly be taking him to see the film when it opens."

An experienced musician, John turned to acting when he grew bored of the music scene.

He has been helped in no short measure by his long and unusual beard, a memento from his days playing with the likes of Keith Emerson from Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

John said: "It is quite a serious beard. It's very similar to ZZ Top. It took me two years to grow and I've had it for six or seven now.

"But it's quite hard to keep in check. I think it's half the reason I got the Harry Potter job.

"I'm doing quite well for work really. I play a lot of winos and appear sometimes in the Channel 5 soap Family Affairs. I've also got a casting for a Robbie Williams video soon.

"I haven't had any formal acting training but I've had a few one-to-one lessons in Brighton.

"I've also done a lot of stage work through my musical career."

This year, he has been on a photographic shoot in Italy and starred in a Dutch commercial in Barcelona.

However, it is the Harry Potter film which could help make John's face familiar to millions.

He is also keeping his fingers crossed that he will be summoned to appear in the next film about the schoolboy wizard.

Although, with acting being the business it is, he accepts his scenes could end up on the cutting room floor.

John said: "I'm not sure how much I will be on screen.

"I'm in scenes in the Great Hall and also at a Quidditch match. But there are acres and acres of footage and then scenes get cut.

"I would like to think they will keep me in for the third film, if only for continuity.

"I'd love to do it, but we'll have to wait and see."