Kennedy: 'I'd like to return to Corrie'

Former Coronation Street actor Kevin Kennedy has reaffirmed his interest in returning to the ITV soap.

The 47-year-old, who played Norman 'Curly' Watts for 20 years, was written out of the Weatherfield soap in 2003 'by mutual agreement'.

On screen, his character left for a fresh start in Newcastle upon Tyne with his wife Emma Taylor (Angela Lonsdale) and son Ben.

Speaking to The Sun, he said: "Curly moved to Newcastle and there's more mileage in him. I'd like to return as he still has a story to tell.

"I just want to walk into the Rovers and say, 'Who are you? Who's that?' as I don't know some of the newer characters!"

He added: "I adored my time on Corrie, especially the Curly and Raquel romance. I still watch it now and again, although I'm often on stage when it’s on the telly."

Kennedy, who is currently touring with Queen musical We Will Rock You, visited Granada Studios in Manchester – home of Coronation Street - last week to catch up with his old friends.

In July 2007, he said that he wouldn't rule out a return if he was handed a "nice strong storyline".

Next year sees Coronation Street celebrate its 50th anniversary with the potential for many of the soap's iconic characters to make a return for the landmark episodes.