Kevin Kennedy, best known for playing Curly Watts on Coronation Street, has spoken candidly about his battle with alcoholism, revealing that soap bosses sent him to rehab and that he has now been sober for 28 years.
ITV and Corrie 'saved my life'
Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday (October 14), the actor discussed his latest musical, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and opened up about his recovery. He said: "Well, ITV and Coronation Street, effectively saved my life, sending me into rehab. And I was very, very, I still am very grateful for that. You know, I was in there 4 weeks and came out slightly different."
When asked whether his addiction had been affecting his work on the soap, he explained: "Well, that's the thing about addicts. They're very resourceful, intelligent people. They have to be. This is why for the charity [Kennedy Street Foundation] that we do, we promote visual recovery."
Advice for those struggling
Offering guidance to anyone concerned about their own drinking or drug use, Kennedy said: "Well, the rule of thumb with alcohol or any drug or addiction is if it's costing you more than money, then maybe it's time to look at it."
He added: "What I would say to you is, we do recover. We do recover. It's not all doom and gloom. It's going to take a lot of hard work and a lot of commitment, and you have to go to various health centres; there's enough out there. And if you do, as you're told, and if you do, as is suggested, then you will recover. I can guarantee you if you put down that drink and that drug, do what's suggested, your life will get better."
Reflecting on his Corrie years
Kennedy joined Coronation Street in 1983 as Curly Watts, a character known for his hapless romantic life and a series of unusual jobs. He remained on the show for two decades, featuring in many major storylines before last appearing in 2003, when his character left Weatherfield with wife Emma, played by Angela Lonsdale, for a new start in Newcastle.
Since leaving the soap, he has appeared in programmes including BBC's Doctors, Mrs Browns' Boys and Holby City. Speaking fondly of his time on the cobbles, he said: "Oh, I mean, all of it is my favourite, actually. I'm very proud of that body of work, yeah, poor boy [Curly], he went through it!"
He continued: "Even now when people come up and they do and they say, 'oh, I remember when you did that'. I think that's really humbling experience and I really love it. So it's great."
Good Morning Britain airs Monday to Friday at 6am on ITV1.
