Emmerdale actor Kevin Mathurin has revealed he suffered a minor heart attack last year after a stressful period left him struggling to cope. The 53-year-old, who plays vicar Charles Anderson on the ITV soap, shared details of the health scare on social media, explaining how he continued working despite experiencing pain for several days. Following advice from his doctor, he was rushed to A&E, where tests revealed a blocked artery had caused damage to his heart.
Health Scare Details
In an honest Instagram post, the actor admitted he had been suppressing his emotions while dealing with personal difficulties, including the death of a close friend from cancer. He wrote: "I was under a lot of stress and pressure. External issues were taking over my well being. I was anxious, stressed, always angry and suppressing it all. Not dealing with things head on. I'd also lost a really good friend to cancer and was upset that I couldn't make his funeral due to work commitments."
He added: "It was all too much that week and I felt pains in my ribs and arms all week. But knowing me, I didn't complain, I just carried on filming, working out and driving up and down the country to be with my family."
Wife's Urging Led to ECG
Kevin explained that it was his wife, Nikki, who urged him to arrange an ECG after noticing something was wrong. Although he had continued with his usual routine, his doctor's subsequent phone call made it clear that he needed urgent medical attention. He added: "It was Nikki who begged me to book an ECG scan. By the time I got home from the hospital my doctor called me and said get straight to A&E."
The actor later revealed that investigations had uncovered a blocked artery, which affected his heart function and led to an abnormal heartbeat, heart failure and a minor heart attack. He wrote: "Long story-short I had a blocked artery that had damaged part of my heart, making my heartbeat abnormal, causing heart failure and a minor heart attack. Within myself I felt fine, but this freaked me and my family out that I didn't pay attention to my body for a whole week."
Hospital Treatment and Recovery
Kevin was treated at King's College Hospital in London, where he remained under observation while doctors carried out an angiogram to assess the severity of the blockage. Fortunately, he did not require surgery or stents and was instead advised to manage his condition with medication, exercise and a healthy diet. He continued: "While staying at King's Hospital, London I was kept under monitor and had an Angiogram to determine how serious the blockages were. Thankfully i didn't need surgery for stents, just relying on a lot of meds, exercise and a healthy diet to keep my blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol down."
During his hospital stay, Kevin said he had time to reflect on his life and consider what he wanted to prioritise moving forward. The experience prompted him to reassess his outlook, with his family, friendships and wellbeing now firmly at the centre of his plans. He explained: "But while I was in hospital that week I had a lot of time to think, reset, re-evaluate my priorities and how I got to this point in my life in the first place."
He added: "It kick-started a total reboot on my outlook on people, places and things. I want to see my children grow up into wonderful adults and be in a position to guide them when they need me. I want to spend quality time with Nikki and be present when I'm with her and my family. I want to see my friends and let them know how much i value their company and time. I want to be a reliable work colleague and have gratitude for what this profession has given me and be open minded for whatever is around the corner."
Kevin's Emmerdale co-stars rushed to the comments to show support as Ash Palmisciano wrote: "Ah mate what a stressful time and you still showed up being the nicest guy ever and you’re right it really does! big love mate," and Jay Kontzle added: "Love bro".
