Hugh Grant's Writing Career  5/8/06

Hollywood star Hugh Grant almost missed his chance to become an actor because he started out as a comedy writer.

British funnyman Griff Rhys Jones thought Love Actually star Grant had found his career when he wrote for TV comedy duo Smith and Jones in the 1980s.

But Grant left writing behind when he decided to try acting instead.

Jones says, "Hugh Grant was in the comedy group the Jockeys of Norfolk. We sat around recently and tried to remember what bits he did. But it didn't last long.

"His group got quite miffed because one of their stars had gone off and started a film. They all thought that nothing would come of it - but now look at him!"