A SOUTH Essex man, who shot to international success as a model after being spotted in the park, is set to star in the latest Guy Richie movie.

Rob Knighton, a carpet fitter for 30 years, got his big break aged 50 when he was working at the home of a model scout who took a shine to him.

He was signed to Next Model Management, one of the top agencies in the world, and his career has gone from strength to strength as he moved into acting.

Now 56, Rob is looking forward to the premier of the Guy Richie epic King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, which is due out in May.

Rob, who lived in Southend for 15 years before moving to London, said: “It’s just been fantastic. I never imagined I would have another career at this stage of my life, but it just goes to show nothing is ever impossible.”

Since beginning his modelling career back in 2011, Rob has starred in several still advertising campaigns, music videos and independent films, most notably a campaign for H&M with football superstar David Beckham.

“I think the H&M shoot is where Guy Richie saw me because it’s obviously well-known that they are good friends and David Beckham is going to be in King Arthur as well.”

Rob’s first big film role came when he was cast as the lead in the 2013 film Everyone’s Going to Die and he rose to the performing challenge.

“Acting came to me quite naturally. I’ve never had any training but I’ve always had a creative side. I find it really instinctive.

“Getting into it at an older age probably helped because I’ve lived it. I’ve had lots of experiences and been in a lot of situations. “Nora Tschirner, who starred opposite me, is a really experienced German actress so she helped me out and gave me some tips.”

In King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, Rob plays Arthurian villain Mordred who leads an army against King Arthur.

He added: “It was completely different to anything I’ve done before. On Everyone’s Going to Die, there was only about 25 of us making the film and it was a really personal shoot. It was lovely and had a family feel to it.

“Obviously with King Arthur, it was much bigger and there were hundreds of people involved.

“Guy was great and very personal. I didn’t get a lot of time to talk to him but he directed my scenes which was a fantastic experience.

“We filmed it in front of a green screen but I’ve seen bits of the trailer and it’s going to look so impressive. It’s really exciting.”

With no immediate plans to get back on to the big screen, Rob is hoping he left his mark.

“I think Guy is planning on making five or six of these if it does well, so it would be great to get parts in those.

“My dream would be to get a part in a Martin Scorsese or Quentin Tarantino movie. Those kinds of films are more my thing.”

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is due out on May 12 but you can catch Rob in Everyone is Going to Die on Netflix.