IT may seem strange that an actor of Gary Mavers' experience feels his career has yet to peak.

But in spite of the large number of high-profile parts amassed by the former Peak Practice star, he feels he has yet to land his favourite role.

"To be honest I don't think I've played it yet," said the 38-year-old Liverpool-born actor. "But that's not to say I haven't had some very good parts.

"I've been really lucky that way."

Luck is certainly the word for it. It was only a series of coincidences that saw Gary enter the theatrical world, instead of the world of joinery.

He said: "I wanted to be a joiner, but I lost my apprenticeship after I was made to stay on in school an extra year because my birthday fell on September 1. I've always resented school for that.

"Out of desperation I applied to RADA. I'd never acted before - I just thought, 'What business can I survive in?'"

Gary's done more than survive for, following a number of successful TV appearances, he landed the role of Dr Andrew Attwood in ITV's Peak Practice in 1998.

Some critics expressed doubt as to whether the series could carry on following the departure of Kevin Whately but Gary proved them wrong.

He said: "When I was first offered the part, I thought: 'Do I really want to do this?' It seemed daunting to be going into something as well-established as Peak Practice.

"But then I decided it would be an advantage to be a new face - a new character with new energy. The whole show really opened up and I had some great years on it.

"But after six years I decided it was time to move on."

Gary has now moved into the theatre and is touring the country in the thriller Bad Blood alongside Gillian Taylforth.

He said: "It's a very worthy play, but a huge emotional rollercoaster. It's very entertaining."

You can catch Gary in Bad Blood at Blackpool's Grand Theatre from April 28 to May 2. Call (01253) 290190 for details.