No Coronation Street return for Curly

ITV have quashed the rumours that Kevin Kennedy is to reprise his role of Curly Watts in Coronation Street.

The Mirror newspaper had reported at the weekend the character was to return to Weatherfield after an absence of ten years. Curly left the street in 2003 with his wife Emma Taylor, played by Angela Lonsdale, to start a new life in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

“Following recent reports that Kevin Kennedy will make a return to the Street, we can confirm that there are currently no plans to bring back his character.” – ITV

The Mirror reported yesterday that Norman ‘Curly’ Watts could return to the cobbles after the soap’s new producer Stuart Blackburn was apparently keen to bring the character back in a bid to restore the show’s roots.

“Curly is an absolute Street legend. He was ­involved in some brilliant storylines. There have been murmurings that he may be in line for a comeback for years, but now it looks like the time has come. He recently had a dinner meeting with Stuart Blackburn and it was ­extremely positive.” – A source apparently noted to the paper

Astronomy enthusiast Curly first appeared on the cobbles in 1983. His storylines over the years included numerous failed relationships and a double act with Reg Holdsworth (Ken Morley), his boss at Bettabuys supermarket.

Curly tied the knot with Racquel Wolstenhulme (Sarah Lancashire) in 1995 but the marriage ended in heartache when she left him for a new life in Kuala Lumpur. He later married policewoman Emma. However, when Curly featured in spin-off DVD A Knight’s Tale in 2010 a further marriage split was revealed.

Kennedy also recorded tracks for the 50th anniversary CD and was part of the ill-fated Street of Dreams musical.