BIG Brother 3 star Jonny Regan has quit the fire service to concentrate on his acting and singing career.

The 30-year-old, who lives in Trimdon, County Durham, has been on a career break from firefighting since he appeared in the hit Channel 4 reality show last year.

Yesterday, his father, John, told The Northern Echo that he would not be returning to work at Peterlee fire station after resigning from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.

"He had till the end of December to decide, and he had an interview with the fire chief," said Mr Regan.

"He decided he had to seize the opportunities which have come his way. The fire chief understood and said if he ever changed his mind he could come back."

Jonny is currently touring the country in hit 1970s musical Boogie Nights, which comes to Darlington in April.

"He's only got a small part, but he has got a solo song and he's been getting rave reviews around the country," said his father.

"He comes home to Trimdon every Sunday to have lunch and see everyone."

He said several record labels had shown an interest in offering Jonny a deal.

"He would love to cut his own record, but that's for the future," Mr Regan said.

In the meantime, he is likely to marry fiancee Joanne Llewellyn.

"Plans for the wedding are under discussion," said Mr Regan.

Fire chief Divisional Officer Dave Turnbull said Jonny would be missed by his colleagues. He said: "I've known Jonny Regan for nearly 15 years, and in all that time he has always carried out the role of firefighter in an exemplary manner.

"I'm sure that in his new vocation he will acquit himself equally well."