Corrie Kev facing axe after arrest

STAR WAS ON ‘FINAL WARNING’ BEFORE INCIDENT

TROUBLED Michael Le Vell is facing the sack from Corrie after he was arrested on suspicion of assault.

Sources say he was already on a “final warning” before the incident.

The show has been plunged into crisis and the 53-yearold will meet bosses this week to discuss his future as mechanic Kevin Webster, we can reveal. Michael was held by police on Thursday night after a 999 call was made from the home he shares with partner Louise Gibbons, 42, in Timperley, near Manchester. According to reports, Greater Manchester Police confirmed they were called “to reports of an assault in Timperley”. The actor was said to have been taken to hospital and then into police custody before being released without charge.

But Coronation Street executives want to know the exact details and circumstances of the arrest. A show source last night said: “Michael spoke to his employers following his release to give them a broad-brush account of what had happened. “But they will want to know in much finer detail exactly what happened. They’ve been told it was a silly row that got out of hand.

“They will want to know if there are any underlying issues that need addressing and if he needs any time away to help him work through any problems.

“Michael was already on a final warning so there is a chance he could be forced to leave the show for good.”

The star has previously had professional treatment after admitting cocaine use and an alcohol problem.

Pals fear he may have to go into rehab, which would force him to take time off from the show.

Producers face a nightmare over planned storylines featuring his character.

An insider said: “The writers will have a big job on their hands if they have to write Michael out of the show. They have a love triangle plot planned involving Kevin, Jenny and Johnny.

“And Kevin is likely to be part of the final stages of the Pat Phelan storyline, so that will need to be changed.”

Michael, who has been on the soap since 1983, has endured several turbulent years after battling alcoholism, bankruptcy and child sex charges.

In 2013, the star was accused of abusing a girl. He was cleared of all charges but was left with a

£200,000 legal bill. Michael went on to return to Corrie in early 2014 and fans hoped he was back to his best.

But in March it emerged he had been declared bankrupt after facing what was said to be a sixfigure tax bill, despite getting a

£250,000 contract in 2017 to stay on the soap for another 12 months.

Corrie chiefs gave no comment on his future yesterday.