A BUDDING actor has made his debut in a dramatic ITV series.

Sam Stinton, 12, from Coggeshall, appeared in an emotional factual series called ‘Saved’.

The programme tells extraordinary stories of people whose lives were saved by strangers.

The final episode tells the story of a Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneaux, who was giving a nuclear submarine tour in 2011.

He heard a loud banging from the corridor of the sub, docked at Southampton, and was instantly shot by a gunman when he raced to see if his passengers were safe.

Sam plays the part of Jamie, the Lieutenant’s 13-year-old son, who discovered what had happened to his dad.

He said: “The experience was brilliant, we filmed for about six hours and I was on screen for about three minutes which is hilarious, but that’s acting for you.

“I was over the moon when I was told about it, the crew were so funny and great to work with. In the first scene we shot I was having breakfast and we had to shoot it twice as I accidentally broke a bowl.”

Sam, who attends an acting class at Honywood School, Coggeshall, every Saturday, said playing such an emotional role was something to be proud of.

He said: “Some of the scenes were quite emotional as Jamie was a real person, so it had to be perfect. Seeing myself on screen and in the credits was one of the most important and proudest moments of my life.”

He added: “The school has really supported by choices and I am really grateful.

“My message is to remember to reach out for your goals.”

The last episode of the series was aired on ITV on Tuesday, January 26.