Corrie's Dev given "time off"

Coronation Street actor Jimmi Harkishin has been given time off from the soap after revelations about his private life.

The star, who has played shop owner Dev Allahan since 1999, was pictured in Sunday's News of the World apparently snorting cocaine.

A Corrie spokeswoman said today: "Both Granada and Jimmi recognise he has some problems that he needs to sort out. He will be taking a break from the show while he seeks help to deal with these issues.

"This is with the full support of the Company, Coronation Street and his colleagues. He won't be disappearing from television screens immediately as we record several weeks in advance."

Harkishin's agent has refused to comment on the allegations.