Good Morning Britain viewers were left doing a double take after Coronation Street actor Kevin Kennedy made an appearance on the show. The actor joined the ITV soap in 1983 as Curly Watts, best known for his unlucky-in-love persona and spate of odd jobs. During his stint on the long-running programme, he played a part in several big storylines.
Viewers fail to recognise former soap star
From his astronomical hobby to his dramatic romantic life, his time in Weatherfield was not short of drama. However, he was last seen in 2003 when he left with wife Emma (Angela Lonsdale) for a new life in Newcastle. Since his exit, Kevin has kept himself busy, appearing in the likes of BBC's Doctors, Mrs Browns' Boys and Holby City.
And on Wednesday (October 14), he appeared on Good Morning Britain to chat about his new musical, The Picture of Dorian Gray. However, viewers watching Good Morning Britain at home were left stunned as they declared that they didn't recognise the former soap star.
On X, one person said: "Is that our Curly." Someone else added: "I had to look him up I didn't recognise him." A third chimed in: "I thought he was Jim McDonald." Echoing their thoughts, another wrote: "Time flies, Curly Watts."
Kevin Kennedy reflects on Coronation Street and sobriety
While on GMB, Kevin spoke fondly about his time on Corrie, saying: "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!"
Kevin went on: "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."
Kevin also spoke about his alcoholism, revealing he has been sober for 28 years. 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."
Advice for those struggling with addiction
When asked if his addiction was affecting his work on the soap, he shared: "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."
As for what advice he has for those thinking drinking or drugs might be a problem for them, Kevin 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.
"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."
Good Morning Britain airs Monday to Friday at 6am on ITV1.
