Inside Coronation Street's Curly Watts star Kevin Kennedy's life from soap exit to addiction struggle

Coronation Street enthusiasts will undoubtedly recall the character of Norman 'Curly' Watts from Weatherfield, who, despite leaving the soap 21 years ago, remains an iconic figure.

Kevin Kennedy portrayed Curly in the popular ITV series for two decades. His character was known for a string of unsuccessful romances before finally finding love.

Making his first appearance on our screens in the summer of 1983, he eventually tied the knot with Rovers Return barmaid Raquel, played by Sarah Lancashire. The couple quickly became one of Weatherfield's most beloved pairs, but their turbulent marriage sadly ended after just five years.

However, Curly eventually found happiness with his second wife, police officer Emma Taylor, portrayed by Angela Lonsdale. Following a perjury incident in 2003, the couple left the cobbles behind to start anew in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

In a brief return for the Coronation Street DVD special A Knight's Tale in 2010, it was revealed that Curly and Emma had separated, putting Curly back on the singles scene, reports the Mirror.

Since departing Coronation Street 21 years ago, actor Kevin, now 63, has kept busy. He wrote and produced a show called Spanish Capers, which aired between 2005 and 2007. He also starred in Ben Elton's musical, We Will Rock You, as a hippie named Pop.

His other television credits include roles in Blue Murder and Doctors, both in 2006 and Holby City in 2017.

In 2019, Kevin made a comeback to the small screen with a guest appearance as Clyde in Mrs Brown's Boys. He also graced the stage from 2018 to 2019, portraying Dennis Dupree in the hit musical Rock of Ages.

Kevin took to social media in 2020 to share his excitement about a new role, posting a selfie with the caption: "On my way to film my first modest but important movie role!"

Kevin's post-Corrie life has been meaningful. After two decades of personal recovery from alcohol addiction, he founded an addiction recovery charity. The charity provides a helpline staffed by trained coaches who are themselves in active recovery, as well as free virtual recovery coaching, signposting, and workshops.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Kevin expressed his dedication to the Kennedy Street Foundation, saying: "The Kennedy Street Foundation is my passion; all we want to do is help people who find themselves in the desperate situation I was in 22 years ago."

He further emphasised the importance of support, adding: "Our national recovery helpline is receiving calls every day and we really need to raise as much money as possible in order to be able to help each and everyone start their own Road2Recovery."

This year, Kevin will be delighting audiences as His Royal Highness King Curlington in the County Durham pantomime production of Cinderella.

Following that, he's set to star in the Pretty Vacant UK tour, which tells the tale of punk and the new wave generation.