Emmerdale hearthrob Jeffrey Percy saved his driving licence and his soap career with an impassioned plea to a Bradford Court.

The 34-year-old actor, who plays Cain Dingle in the series, was banned from driving for six months by magistrates in Halifax in August, after he did 92mph on the M62 in West Yorkshire.

But in an appeal to Bradford Crown Court, Percy explained that he had to be able to drive as part of the character he plays, and that talks about renewing his contract had been put on hold until the court's ruling was known.

Asked what effect a ban would have, he said: "It's obviously going to change my life quite dramatically, in terms of this contract I have had for four years. It would mean I would have to go out and actively seek work again, which is going to be difficult because certain other jobs may require me to drive, just as the character in this show. "Also, certain theatre jobs are going to be difficult to get to. It would have a massive impact on me helping my wife with the new-born child because she's been told to do nothing for the next 14 days."

The court heard that Percy was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at the age of 26 and had to have parts of his stomach and bowel removed. He was in hospital six weeks ago in Cambridge for treatment.

He said on the day he was caught speeding he was driving home from Bolton to his home in Farsley, Leeds, to be with his wife as it was Valentine's weekend.

"There was a point, round about Oldham, where I felt I needed to go to the toilet. My plan was to get to the next service station," he said. "At first I thought I could hold it in, but there is only so long you can hold it in for - it's like anyone else who needs a toilet times by ten. It comes to the point where you need to go. I find it quite stressful and embarrassing to talk about. When I need to go to the toilet I just need to go to the toilet."

His barrister, Mark McKone, said: "His employment with Yorkshire Television would be affected and that is not just Mr Percy but the producers and the many people connected with the show, and the many millions who watch the show for the character which Mr Percy plays in a role that has been written for him," added Mr McKone.

Judge Linda Sutcliffe, sitting with two magistrates, agreed to overturn the ban.