Ex-Dales star Healy 'nearly quit acting'

Former Emmerdale star Matt Healy has revealed that he considered quitting acting before landing his role on the soap.

The 40-year-old admitted that he was struggling to find long-term work in the industry before he was cast in the part of Matthew King on the ITV1 show.

In an interview with the Chester Chronicle, he explained: "I think a lot of actors get to the point where they are sick and tired of going between various jobs while waiting to get a steady role.

"I was working as a courier in London and I had decided to go back up to Manchester to think about my next move when I got the call. Feeling as low as I did makes you appreciate offers like that so much more."

Healy made his debut on the Yorkshire-based drama in 2004. He was seen for the final time last year when his character was killed off in a dramatic van crash.

He continued: "It was such a great experience to play Matthew King and I have many fond memories of being on the show. It was my idea to leave the show in the way I did.

"I thought it did my character justice. I could never have seen myself leaving the show in a taxi. There had to be some finality to it."

Healy is currently starring in a touring production of The Tart and the Vicar's Wife.