Kelvin Fletcher shot to stardom for his role as Andy Sugden in Emmerdale.
The soap actor was just 12 years old when he was cast as the troubled character in 1996.
He was initially contracted for a short three episode arc, but was given a regular role after proving to be a hit with fans.
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Emmerdale viewers watched Kelvin's journey to adulthood throughout Andy Sugden's turbulent time in the Yorkshire village.
Andy was a part of dramatic storylines such as setting fire to his adopted parents' barn and his rollercoaster romance with Debbie Dingle.
The actor quit the show after 20 years in 2016 to focus full-time on his career as a race car driver.
He told the Mirror : “I was a motorsport fan growing up. Cars, bikes, F1.
"At the ripe old age of 28 I decided to give it a go. Me and my dad bought a classic Mini and went club racing. I ended up winning the championship.
“I’ve signed professional contracts. It’s certainly snowballed and it’s a dream come true. I was lucky because sponsors were willing to back me because of my profile.”
Kelvin admitted the drastic change has presented challenges.
He said: "I’m going against people who have raced since they were seven years old.
“I’ve got a target on my head. I’m that guy off the TV so the eyes are on me a little bit more. I sometimes feel like I’ve got a harder job than most, but I’m progressing.”
However, he said that he feels more comfortable in the dangerous world of motorsport than he did during his time on Emmerdale.
He added: "The dangers don’t really cross my mind. They probably should but, weirdly, when you’re at a race weekend, the safety aspect there is key.
“Motor sport is dangerous but you’re in a controlled environment, you’re all going in the same direction, there’s no lamp posts or kerbs, you’re alongside competent drivers and you’ve got more seatbelts than anything.
“I feel safer racing around a circuit than I did on what was my daily commute to Emmerdale on the M62."
Kelvin did not completely leave the world of show business as he was crowned the winner of Strictly Come Dancing in 2019.
The soap star won plaudits from the judges throughout his time on the show for his impressive physique.
Kelvin opened up on his fitness regime as he revealed he was working with a personal trainer in 2017.
Away from the screen, Kelvin has been happily married to Elizabeth Marsland since 2015.
Elizabeth also works as an actress and is best known for her role in TV series In the Club.
The couple already share daughter Marnie and son Milo - and announced this week the exciting news they are expecting twins.
He told BBC Breakfast: "We just recently found out, to add another curveball if you like.
"We don't really do things by halves and then we found out we're having not just one baby, but two."
The soap star and his family are currently appearing in Kelvin's Big Farming Adventure on BBC, which he describes as the biggest challenge of his career.
He said: "This is without doubt the biggest challenge I've ever taken on. I'm really excited to share the unforgettable first steps into our new life of farming and adventures."
Kelvin's Big Farming Adventure airs Monday at 8.30pm on BBC One
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7pm on ITV and ITV Hub with an additional episode at 8pm on Thursdays
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