John has had a wizard time

APART from his impressive beard, actor John Dartnell cuts a dashing figure in leather jerkin, tattoos and earrings.

Which is just as well as John has just returned to Lewes after five months playing the part of a wizard in the latest Harry Potter blockbuster film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

'I was one of five key wizards who play a key part in the plot,' said John, 49, born and bred in Rodmell.

'It was great fun working on location in Hertfordshire.'

John, who studied at Lewes Secondary Modern School, is quite a traveller.

His colourful presence is in great demand in the advertising world and he has recently worked on location in Holland, Spain and Italy.

It all seems a long way from his days as a gardener and labourer in Lewes.

Things started happening when John joined local rock bands such as Fools Gold and Footloose as a singer and keyboard player.

He gained valuable experience appearing live in performance and in projecting an image that was to stand him in good stead.

And two years ago, after some years in sound recording, he was ready for the stage.

John got a job as an extra in The Bill through a contact and never looked back.

After various TV work including a stint in Casualty and appearing in the celebrity line-up in Never Mind The Buzzcocks, he landed his plum role in Harry Potter.

And the work keeps coming.