Emmerdale star Jurell Carter shares alternative career before soap
Before he came a soap star, it seems Emmerdale's Jurell Carter was destined for a career in professional football.
Known to soap lovers as Nate Robinson, the 31-year-old actor dreamt of a life on the pitch, and being represented by his beloved club Birmingham City (which currently competes in the EFL Championship), before financial strain ruled out the possibility.
At 18 years old, Carter was awarded a partial scholarship to play in America, but unfortunately, his family was unable to afford the remaining fees. The devastation wore off, though, thanks to a big break in one of the country's biggest TV shows.
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Carter recollected the sliding doors moment in a new interview, as he told OK!: "I 100% think it is fate I didn't become a footballer and got into acting instead.
"I love it so much! Since I was a kid, football was my life. I played all the time, in school and out of school. I was confident with football and even though I loved acting, if you put me on a stage, I would crumble.
"I wasn't confident to get up in front of everyone. I am now so grateful football didn't work out," he reiterated.
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Having accepted that his scholarship was a no-go, Carter plucked up the courage to pursue his second love of acting, joining an extras agency and eventually securing a place at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.
Three years after he graduated, Carter landed the role of Nate and has been a regular on the show ever since.
"I can't imagine myself doing anything but acting now," he reflected. "I found that passion. With sport, you do retire in your 30s and now I can't imagine retiring then."
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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