A YOUNG actor has made his big screen debut in a film directed by Tim Burton.

Hayden Keeler-Stone, 16, is starring as Horace Somnusson, a young boy who has prophetic dreams, in the dark fantasy adventure film Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.

Based on the book of the same name, the film will be released by Fox on Thursday.

Hayden, a former pupil at Gable Hall School, has been acting “all his life”, appearing in a production of Oliver in Southend before taking to the West End in Joseph and appearing in a few adverts.

He recently signed with Sylvia Young Theatre Agency in London and auditioned for the film.

“I thought it was just another audition and wouldn’t go anywhere but unbelievably it did,” Hayden, of Stanford-le-Hope, said.

“I didn’t hear back for a while then I was called to the second audition.

“When I got the email saying I had got a part, I didn’t believe it.

“I had to check that other people hadn’t got the same email.”

Filming took place in London, Cornwall and Blackpool over four months, while he was due to take his GCSEs.

However, he was lucky that there were tutors on site and was still able to gain GCSEs which have enabled him to go to a London college.

Hayden added: “I was quite shocked to be on set filming.

“I had never been on such a big set before.

“The attention to detail was amazing.

“From day one, it was just the detail that went into everything.

“Filming was quite fun in the end, working with Tim Burton and everyone else.

“It was almost like a second family.”

On set, Hayden met Samuel Jackson, Dame Judi Dench and Ella Purnell, among other big name stars.

“I was a bit worried to meet them for the first time as they have been in so many big films,” Hayden added.

“But you gradually get used to the fact and remember that theses people have worked really hard and had some great breaks to get where they are.

“They are really nice people.”

He has a lot of lines to learn for the film and was thrilled with how is all came together after watching it at the cast and crew screening.

Hayden added: “I am really pleased.

“Everyone did such a good job and it has come together really well.

“I hope when people watch it they will be immersed in the other world.

“When I was watching it, I was immersed rather than just watching myself so I hope others will find that as well.

“It was quite emotional watching it back.”

Hayden is hoping another two films in the series will be made.