Marsden found work as a model in London, Paris and Milan. He was featured in commercials for products such as Jacobs Coffee, Punica, Vimto and Impulse.[9] He has since commented, "I was at college in London and when you're a struggling student it doesn't take a genius to work out that it's easier to model for a few hours each week and earn thousands of pounds than work in a bar for a pittance. But I hated doing it really."[9] After nearly two years of modelling, he decided to get an agent and find work as an actor.[9]
Career
Marsden's acting break came in 1995 when he joined the cast of the ITV soap opera Emmerdale, playing the upper crust Daniel Weir, lover of Linda Glover. He remained in the role for three months before the character was written out.[9] He went on to play the role of surfer Philip Kennedy in Island – a Jersey-based ITV miniseries.[9] Marsden also dressed in drag when he appeared in the Jeannot Szwarc French film Les Soeurs Soleil (The Sun Sisters).[10]
On 3 March 1997, he joined the cast of Coronation Street as mechanic Chris Collins and he remained with the series until 29 March 1998. The role earned him 1997 National Television Award for Most Popular Newcomer.[11] Following his departure from Coronation Street, Marsden decided on a change of direction and a fleeting career as a pop star followed.[12] He signed a £500,000 record deal with Columbia Records and released his debut single in July 1998 called "The Heart's Lone Desire", which reached number 13 in the UK Singles Chart.[13] He followed with a second single, a cover of Hall & Oates' "She's Gone", with his label-mates Destiny's Child providing backing vocals, which reached number 24 in the UK Singles Chart.[13]
Marsden is a practising Catholic. He appeared in Rosary Stars Praying the Gospel (2009).[15][16] He and his family are frequently involved in activities with Family Theater Productions, a division of Holy Cross Family Ministries, founded by Fr Patrick Peyton.[17]
Marsden is an active supporter of the armed forces and has parachuted with the United States Army Parachute Team. He received the title of Kentucky Colonel, the highest award that is bestowed on individuals by the state of Kentucky, in recognition of his support of the U.S. military.[18]
^ abHe was born in 1972 or 1973. 'Sandwell, West Midlands county' did not exist before 1 April 1974 therefore 'West Bromwich, West Midlands' is correct
