Johnny Briggs wanted Corrie return cameo

Ex-Coronation Street star Johnny Briggs wanted to be an extra in the ITV1 soap when it filmed in his local pub.

The 72-year-old, who played Mike Baldwin for 30 years, asked producers if he could be in the background when they filmed scenes for a girl gang fight storyline.

His character, whose final scenes aired in April 2006, died from a heart attack in the arms of Ken Barlow (William Roache).

A source told The Sun: "They were filming in Johnny’s local and everyone was stunned to see him.

"They went over to chat and Johnny asked if he could stay in the background drinking - he thought it would be funny.

"But they said there was no way he could be in shot as they would get in trouble, so he went home with a takeaway."

The insider added: "Johnny's always had a sense of humour - but we couldn't raise Baldwin from the grave."