Emmerdale actor Kevin Mathurin was taken to hospital with heart failure after suffering what he described as a "minor heart attack." The 53-year-old, who has played vicar Charles Anderson on the ITV soap for six years, was treated at King's Hospital in London.
Actor reveals health scare on social media
In a social media post, Mathurin explained that he had been under significant stress in mid-October 2025. He wrote: "I was under a lot of stress and pressure. External issues were taking over my wellbeing. I was anxious, stressed, always angry and suppressing it all. Not dealing with things head-on."
He also mentioned the loss of a close friend to cancer and his upset at missing the funeral due to work commitments. "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," he added.
Hospital treatment and recovery
Mathurin credited his partner Nikki for urging him to book an ECG scan. After the scan, his doctor advised him to go straight to A&E. He explained: "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."
While at King's Hospital, he was monitored and underwent an angiogram to assess the blockages. He noted that he did not need stent surgery, instead relying on medication, exercise, and a healthy diet to manage his blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol.
Reflecting on priorities and gratitude
During his hospital stay, Mathurin said he had "a lot of time to think, reset, reevaluate my priorities." He expressed a desire to see his children grow up, spend quality time with Nikki, and value his friendships and career.
He thanked the medical staff, writing: "A huge thank you to all the doctors and nurses at King's Hospital and the cardiac physiotherapists at Lewisham Hospital. THANK YOU NHS. Fear makes you ill. Shuts you down and stand still. Love your people, love life and keep moving."
