Ex- Coronation Street actor Kevin Kennedy has admitted that he thinks it would be “interesting” to return to the cobbles as Curly Watts. After leaving the soap nearly 20 years ago, he said that it is “no secret” he would make a comeback.
The news comes just days after it was confirmed that Spider Nugent, portrayed by Martin Hancock from 1997 to 2003, would be returning to Corrie after 19 years. Fans have turned their attention to another long-standing favourite and are asking the question of whether there will be any more surprise returns.
Kevin Kennedy was Norman Arthur ‘Curly’ Watts in the soap for 20 years from 1983 to 2003. He joined the ladies of ITV’s Loose Women today (3 May) to talk about the potential of returning 20 years later.
Carol McGiffin, who was joined by host Ruth Langsford, Kéllé Bryan, and Katie Piper, asked the question everyone was waiting for. She said: “Let’s get this out the way. Would you go back?”
60-year-old Kevin replied: “Oh yeah. It’s no secret. I’m in the business of telling stories, always have been.
“Whether it be on stage, in music or telly. So to go back and tell what happened to him [Curly] I think would be very interesting, and I think maybe the viewers would be interested too.”
Kevin told the hosts that he still gets recognised as Curly by Corrie fans, and is still a huge fan of the series. He also said that it was “great” to hear that Spider [Martin Hancock] was returning to the show.
He said: “That’s a great move for Martin. He’s a good actor and he’ll do very well.”
Geoffrey David Nugent, known as Spider, will be appearing on screens in July. He will continue the story of Emily Bishop’s eco-warrior nephew, who left the famous street in 2003 to start a fresh life with on-and-off girlfriend Toyah Battersby.
Coronation Street producer Iain Macleod said: "Martin is a fabulous actor and Spider is a character with real heritage, and affection from fans. His return heralds an enthralling new story for Toyah, who will be embroiled in a mess of guilt and secrecy when Spider arrives. Will he be her saviour or the thing that ruins her life forever?"
Former Corrie star, Vicky Entwistle, celebrated Martin’s return by saying that it was the “best news I have heard in the last 10 years” and that she “might start watching” the soap once again. Vicky, who played Janice Battersby, has been accused of criticising the show by writing, “Bring the Talent back!!!”
She responded by tweeted: "I genuinely thought this was a beautiful tweet! It came from a love of Martin! 6 Trolls!!! I hope you are well!!"
