Peter Thornton appeared in Coronation Street in August 1968 as P.C. Stevens who was involved in the recapture of escaped convict Frank Riley. He also appeared in Danger Man, Suspense, Taxi!, Out of the Unknown, Special Branch, Bachelor Father, Father Dear Father, Z Cars, My Wife Next Door, Colditz, Steptoe and Son, Dixon of Dock Green and Thomas and Sarah. Film roles include Theatre of Blood and Steptoe and Son Ride Again.