Adam Rickitt 'turned down Corrie offer'

Adam Rickitt has admitted that he turned down the chance to return to Coronation Street.

The 32-year-old quit the role of Nick Tilsley in the ITV soap in 1999 but made brief comebacks in 2002 and 2003.

Shortly after ITV announced that the part was being recast, Footballers' Wives star Ben Price was confirmed as Rickitt's replacement.

Rickitt told Celebritain: "I was checked out at the time as to whether it's something I would be keen to do, and to be honest however much I loved doing the show and working with the people at that time I find the excitement of finding new and inspiring projects to work on too much of a drug to turn away from now.

"I do get lots of people comparing how we both play the role which is weird as it was eight years ago for me, and now I am back I shall be sure to tune in and see the new... new reincarnation!"

Rickitt, who has just returned from a four-year stint on New Zealand soap Shortland Street, is currently preparing to relaunch his music career with the release of what he described as an "awesome summer dance song".