Ex Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy, 58, has opened up about his desire to return to Weatherfield as he praised ITV for helping him battle an alcohol addiction. The actor played Curly Watts in the soap for 20 years.
Kevin admitted he feared for his life during his battle with addiction, which led to him having a breakdown on set in 1998.
The actor said he would have his first alcohol drink when he woke up and continued to booze throughout the day.
At times, he would also take cocaine.
After his breakdown on set, Kevin was temporarily written out of the soap and checked into a rehab clinic.
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The actor said he would “love to come back” to the cobbles and believes his on-screen character would have “some stories to tell”.
Kevin went on to say he still gets approached by fans, who often shout out “Raquel”, the name of Curly’s ex-wife (played by Sarah Lancashire).
The former Coronation Street star said still being recognised for his character is “a compliment”.
“It means they remember your work. You can’t ask for more than that,” he continued.
Most of Curly’s storylines revolved around his repeated failure to form a successful romantic relationship.
In 1995, he tied the knot with his first wife Raquel.
Curly met his second wife, police officer Emma Taylor (Angela Lonsdale), when she came to investigate crimes in the area.
A soap source recently said a potential Curly Watts return could be on the cards.
“Things are pretty bleak behind the scenes. Bosses want to bring joy back, on and off screen,” a source told The Sun.
“The plan is to bring back one or two high-profile stalwarts who are a hit with older viewers.”
“Kevin has previously said he wants to come back, so it’s about agreeing terms and finding the right story,” they added.
Coronation Street continues tomorrow at 7pm on ITV.