Soap fans are calling for the return of a Coronation Street legend to the long-running series after he was seen bumping into another star of the show at Paphos Airport in Cyprus.
Kevin Kennedy, who famously played Curly Watts on the show for 20 years, had a surprise reunion with Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs, as they both enjoyed a holiday on the Mediterranean island. And when Kevin shared a picture of the pair together on Facebook, it sparked calls from fans for him to rejoin the soap he left for the last time in 2003.
The Manchester Evening News reported that both he and Alan gave cheery smiles for the selfie, and Kevin wrote on Facebook: "Amazing who you meet late at night at Paphos Airport".
Alan, who has been enjoying a sun-soaked holiday with his brother Ste and their families in Cyprus, shared the same image with Kevin on Instagram. He said: "Bumped into this absolute legend @MrKevKennedy." He added: "So good to see you mate", sharing what appeared to be an in-joke of: "Thanks for the goodbye."
Curly remains one of the soap's best loved characters, and fans regularly call for his return. A number of stars have returned to the show to a great reception in recent years, including Sally Ann Matthews as Jenny Bradley, Sue Devaney as Debbie Webster and most recently Martin Hancock as Spider Nugent.
Kevin's friends and fans were quick to jump on the photo as an excuse to call, once again, for the return of Curly Watts to Corrie. One gushed: "omg what more of a sign do you need Curly lad! The street needs you innit".
Another said: "brilliant reunion," while a number of friends said: "It's a sign". Martin Duggan responded simply: "I wish they would bring back Curly Watts and Martin Platt."
Wythenshawe-born Kevin first started his Weatherfield journey as the unlucky-in-love Norman Arthur "Curly" Watts back in 1983. The character's nickname was a cheeky nod to his straighter-than-straight hairdo and he was famously a fan of astronomy and became the assistant manager of Bettabuys supermarket.
During his 20 years on the soap he was involved in a number of dramatic storylines, and will always be remembered for his star-crossed romance with Rovers Return barmaid Raquel, who was famously played by Sarah Lancashire. He last reprised the role of Curly back in 2010 for the spin-off DVD special A Knights Tale reuniting with Ken Morley as Reg Holdsworth.
Since leaving Corrie, Kevin has gone on to a hugely acclaimed career in musical theatre, most notably for his role in We Will Rock You in the West End and at theatres across the UK as Pop. He is currently on tour with the hit musical Rock of Ages.
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