Bradford Park Avenue footballer Chris Hall has landed a role in a television soap.

The 22-year-old striker is appearing in Channel 4 show Hollyoaks, playing music producer Matt Crosby after a successful audition earlier this year.

It is not the first time the former Oldham Athletic centre forward has juggled his football career with life as an actor. He recently played the role of a doctor in another Channel 4 programme, Shameless, and he features in police drama Blue Murder, which hits the screen next year.

Chris said: “I’ve always acted and produced music as well. I’ve acted since I can remember, from taking drama at school.”

His taste for acting progressed after a flirtation with the stage.

“I was playing for Oldham at the time,” he said.

“My girlfriend does a bit of acting and she was in a play. One of the people working there asked me if I was interested in taking part in a show and I said I’d do it.”

He then signed up with hometown agents Urban Talent, in Manchester, which led to a succession of auditions and eventually his big break.

He said his teammates at Park Avenue had been amused by his appearances in Hollyoaks so far.

“It’s constant banter on a daily basis,” Chris said. “I’m always getting stick for it.

“But they are supportive, a great bunch of lads. There was a scene where I was dancing and I’ve been telling them for ages I can dance but the lads have been winding me up because of it.”

Sadly for Park Avenue fans, his dancing exploits are unlikely to feature in any goal celebrations.

“I’ve considered it but I wouldn’t live it down with the fans!” he said.

Chris left professional football behind when he retired after five years with Oldham last summer.

After being spotted as a youngster and making his senior debut at 16, he went on to make 44 appearances for the Latics, scoring four goals in the FA Cup.

He retired due to personal reasons and rejoined former club Stalybridge Celtic before heading to Bradford for the current season.