Emmerdale star Jurell Carter was left heartbroken at the age of 18 when his dreams of becoming a professional footballer lay in tatters – but little did he know TV fame was in his future.
Jurell, 31, known to millions as handsome Nate Robinson, spent his childhood dreaming of playing football for his beloved Birmingham City and at 18, he was overjoyed when he landed a partial scholarship to play in America.
But sadly, his family were unable to afford the remainder of the fees, leaving him devastated. However, Jurell now believes it was a stroke of luck and good fortune that he didn’t go down the sporting route, and instead got offered a job on one of Britain’s biggest soaps.
Landing the role of Nate four years ago was better than any football career. “I 100% think it is fate I didn’t become a footballer and got into acting instead,” says Jurell. “I love it so much!
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