He is best known for his role as Andy Sudgen in Emmerdale, where he played the character from 1996 to 2016.

But Kelvin Fletcher has made a drastic career change as he revealed that he is now a professional racing driver.

The 33-year-old actor admitted that there is now pressure of switching from TV sets to racing tracks, as he said: ‘I’ve got a target on my head’.

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Career switch: Former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, 33, has made a drastic career change as he recently revealed that he is now a professional racing driver
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Career switch: Former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, 33, has made a drastic career change as he recently revealed that he is now a professional racing driver

Speaking with the Daily Mirror, Kelvin continued: ‘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, despite his worries, he has quickly advanced in the racing industry, explaining: ‘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.’

The Manchester native has kept his hopes up about the future, and has prepared alternative plans if his career were to break down: ‘If all else fails, if I don’t go any further with racing and I can’t get another acting job, I would happily be a stay-at-home dad.’

The star shares daughter Marnie with wife Liz Marsland.

Co-star: Kelvin left Emmerdale last year to take part in the British Touring Car Championship, behind the team Power Maxed Racing (pictured on the ITV soap with co-star Roxanne Pallett)
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Co-star: Kelvin left Emmerdale last year to take part in the British Touring Car Championship, behind the team Power Maxed Racing (pictured on the ITV soap with co-star Roxanne Pallett)

Kelvin is best known for his role as farmer Andy on ITV’s Emmerdale, but left the soap in August 2016.

His departure plot showed Andy’s canny exit after being framed by his on-screen girlfriend, portrayed by Louise Marwood, for the attempted murder of her adoptive father, played by John Bowe.

He left the British soap to take part in the British Touring Car Championship, behind the team Power Maxed Racing.

This year, Kevin was involved in the 25th British GT Championship, where he rode in a Nissan 370Z GT4.

Adversity: Kelvin mentioned the pressures of switching from TV sets to racing tracks, as he said: 'I’ve got a target on my head' referring to his status 
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Adversity: Kelvin mentioned the pressures of switching from TV sets to racing tracks, as he said: ‘I’ve got a target on my head’ referring to his status

Back in the day: He is best known for his role as Andy Sudgen in Emmerdale, where he played the character from 1996 to 2016 (pictured in 2000) 
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Back in the day: He is best known for his role as Andy Sudgen in Emmerdale, where he played the character from 1996 to 2016 (pictured in 2000)

The star embarked on fatherhood in 2016 as his wife Liz Marsland gave birth to a their baby girl Marnie Molly.

He married his childhood sweetheart in November 2015, where Liz fell pregnant during the weekend of their wedding.

In an interview with OK! Magazine, Kevin expressed his excitement over the birth of his child: ‘I never imagined I could be so obsessed with a little person. I knew I’d be hands-on, but fatherhood is incredible.’

Family man: Kevin pictured with wife Eliza and daughter Marnie as they attended a Teletubbies show on Friday
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Family man: Kevin pictured with wife Eliza and daughter Marnie as they attended a Teletubbies show on Friday