Peter, now 56, practises as a vet in Lowville, New York, where he lives with Loreta, his wife of 27 years, daughter Helenka, 22, and son Leif, 17.

“I began acting with the Cleveland Playhouse in Ohio which had a very successful children’s theatre. They were asked to suggest children for a new movie and the next thing I know, I’m cast as Charlie Bucket.

“The flming was a life-changing event because it was shot in Munich. My father travelled with me – he had served in Germany during the war, so it was a very emotional time for him – but we discovered Munich was a fun place to be.

“There wasn’t any glitz and glamour on set. We were young teenagers and we were expected to work as young adults and be professional, so that meant showing up on time, knowing your lines and there wasn’t any messing about. I soon came to the realisation that acting was a lot of work.

“The most impressive set was the chocolate room. Our director Mel Stuart didn’t want us to see the set until we began flming so we would have that surprised expression on our faces. I had a genuine grandfather-grandson type relationship with Jack Albertson, who played Grandpa Joe. I also had a good relationship with Gene Wilder, who played Willy Wonka. I think that came through on the camera.