Antonio Banderas hospitalised in Surrey with 'agonising' chest pains

ACTOR Antonio Banderas was rushed to hospital with chest pains which came on suddenly during exercise just before the weekend, according to the British press.

The Málaga-born star – probably Spain's most famous export to Hollywood, along with Penélope Cruz – said he felt an 'agonising pain' rip through his chest whilst he was working out at the house in Surrey, UK, where he has lived for nearly two years with his girlfriend Nicole Kempel.

He was taken immediately to St Peter's Hospital and kept in observation overnight, but is said to be 'out of danger'.

Banderas says the pains were 'nothing serious in the end'.

Following his shock split from fellow actress Melanie Griffith after more than 20 years of marriage, Banderas decided to move to the UK to follow a new career path – studying fashion design at the prestigious Saint Martin's College in London with a view to launching his own men's clothing line.

But he chose to live in the home counties instead of the metropolis.

“Surrey struck me as a magical place,” Banderas admitted.

“I'm not really a person who's into partying any more, and here in Surrey I'm surrounded by peace and quiet and the space I need to study and focus my thoughts.

“At the moment I'm working on several scripts.”

Antonio, who returns annually without fail to his native Málaga to take part in the Semana Santa, or Easter Holy Week processions, has always denied his relationship with Ms Kempel forced the break-up of his marriage.

He claimed he and Melanie were already going through problems, and he and Nicole decided not to act on their attraction for each other unless and until Banderas and Ms Griffith decided to separate.

Kempel allegedly said she did not want to get involved and told Banderas: “Sort your own stuff out first, then we'll talk, but not before.”