Duncan James was almost dropped from 'Hollyoaks'.
Duncan James
The 38-year-old singer has just signed a two-year contract with the popular Channel 4 soap after his character Ryan Knight proved a huge hit with viewers last month, but he has admitted his dreams of landing a role in the programme were almost scuppered earlier this year.
He explained to OK! magazine: "When my back went and I was laid up in hospital and the money stopped, it was like, 'Oh my God, what now?' I'd just got the job with 'Hollyoaks' and they needed me on set. If I didn't get back to work in time, I would have lost the contract."
The Blue singer was forced to undergo emergency surgery on his spine in June after vital fluid began pouring out of an old surgery wound and he lost the feeling in his left leg.
He said: "For the first few weeks on 'Hollyoaks' I really struggled. Not only learning lines but just being able to walk was tough. They've been so supportive but initially I was hobbling on set with a walking stick, doing a scene and then hobbling back off and laying down waiting for the next one. As the weeks have gone on I've become stronger and the stick's gone now. I'm a lot better than I was a week ago."
However, Duncan still has a long way to go as he's yet to undergo physiotherapy, although he has been swimming.
He added: "I've started to swim and plan on starting physio. Going from a fit, healthy guy to someone who is debilitated has been hard, but as with everything in life, you get on and accept it. Many people are in worse positions."
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