AN ITV legend who has starred in film, TV and even pantomime was once a professional footballer at Brentford.
The Watford-born entertainer has enjoyed an illustrious career and is still at the top of his game.
He has appeared in Coronation Street and Doctor Who but his biggest legacy is his work as a quiz show host.
The 63-year-old also hit the top ten charts with his debut album in 2016, with a follow-up record reaching 11th in the charts a year later.
He is a British Soap Awards winner and has also appeared on stage, particularly in pantomimes.
But the showbiz legend once had a very different career, having become a footballer after leaving school.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Brentford snapped up the then-teenager while he played in the Hertfordshire County League.
He failed to make a first-team appearance but did play four times for Barnet in a loan spell in the 1979-80 season.
Injuries cut short his career at the age of 21 as he failed to overcome an ankle fracture.
However, he would return to the pitch for Soccer Aid in 2006 and 2010, representing England.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
He helped the Three Lions win the charity match in 2006 and again as a coach in 2012 and 2016.
The ex-player in question is The Chase star Bradley Walsh.
Walsh revealed football was his life before he got into the entertainment industry and he still regrets not earning his coaching badges.
He said: “I’ve done some fantastic things in my life and had some fantastic jobs, but football was my life.
“When I got injured it was a real shame.
“I’d fractured one ankle, recovered and I was supposed to be playing Plymouth Argyle on the Saturday and I fractured the other ankle.
“I spent the rest of the time on the treatment table, so I retired at 21.
“I wish I had taken my badges now and I would still be involved in football.
“I would love to try and coach a youth team now, because they don’t play in the streets anymore.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
