Asaboyhewasatalentedrugbyplayer,playingforOrrell,LancashireandforEnglandSchoolboys.However,atageseventeenhebrokehisleginthreeplacesandturnedtoacting,havingappearedinschoolplays.HeenrolledatLondon'sGuildhallSchoolofMusicandDramabutleftearlywhenofferedapartinthefilm'TheEdgeofLove'.