Michael Le Vell
“Kevin and Abi bring out the best in each other”
Kevin Webster has certainly got himself into his fair share of pickles over the years. From being caught cheating on wife Sally on more than one occasion, to finding out he was the father of Molly Dobbs’ son, Jack – the child his best pal Tyrone thought was his own – Kev is clearly no stranger to having to get himself out of a tight spot!
This week, however, the mechanic is in a predicament that might have dire consequences – as sleazy businessman Ray reveals he has damning evidence that could send Kev and his new girlfriend Abi to prison! “What a muppet!” laughs Coronation
Street star Michael Le Vell (aka Kevin), when we sit down with him for a catch-up on his troubled alter ego. “If Kev was my friend, I’d tell him not to let his heart rule his head on this one, as there is too much to lose.”
But how does Michael – who celebrates 37 years on the cobbles this year – reckon his long-time cobbles character will manage to get himself out of this situation?
Hey, Michael! Kevin gave Abi a fake alibi for the night she torched Ray’s car, knowing full well that she was guilty – what made him do that?
He didn’t consider the consequences. Kevin just thought he could say she was with him, and that would be the end of it. He knew that she was guilty, but I think it was Kevin’s way of trying to woo her and do something for her.
So how does Kev feel when it emerges Ray has dashcam footage, which he plans to use as evidence?
He is scared – he’s looking at a prison sentence. Kevin was doing this to keep Abi out of jail, but he has put his own liberty at risk. He faces leaving Jack with no dad around to look after him.
What is Kevin’s reaction when Ray tries to blackmail him into selling the garage to him?
Kevin’s first thought is how is he going to break the news to Tyrone, who owns 30 per cent of the business! He knows he would have a tough job convincing Tyrone, as he has a young family too – so it affects a lot of people. And it’s not a decision Kevin can take lightly.
Do you think Kevin has made a huge mistake by covering for Abi?
It’s quite a leap of faith for Kevin to make for someone he does not know very well. It’s too late now, though – he has no choice but to try to make the best of a very bad situation.
Do you think Kevin is lonely? Is that why he’s jumped straight into things with Abi?
Yes, that could possibly explain it – Tim has a lot going on, Tyrone has had the whole situation with Jade to deal with, and Kevin’s girls are no longer around.
He’s like a lot of middle-aged people who, for different reasons, suddenly find themselves alone. Then along comes Abi who is like a breath of fresh air and makes him laugh.
Ray makes Abi an indecent proposal this week – how would Kevin feel if she went along with it?
He would feel hugely betrayed that he was putting everything on the line for someone who would do that. All Kevin’s trust in Abi would feel misplaced, and he would feel used.
Given everything that happens this week, might Kevin be regretting getting involved with Abi?
I don’t think he is regretting it, no. I think he is regretting being stupid and telling lies for her – but there is no fool like an old fool! Kevin is just an old fool who has fallen for someone who has brought trouble to his doorstep.
What is it about Abi that Kev likes?
It’s the fact that she is different from other people he has dated. She is a bit feisty, she knows her own mind and, in many ways, she is the polar opposite to Sally. It seems to work – they bounce off each other, and there was a spark there from the beginning.
Do you think that Abi brings out Kevin’s fun side?
I think she does help him to see the funnier side of life, yes – when she recorded all his sayings, for example.
“Kev didn’t consider the consequences – and is now facing a prison sentence…”
Kev hasn’t always been able to laugh at himself, but he was forced to see a different side to himself. He has had a rough time and hasn’t had much fun recently, so it is nice to play his lighter persona. You get glimpses of the old Kev, she makes him feel alive again.
Do you think that Abi and Kevin are a good match?
I think they are a great match! They bring out the best in each other, and I am really enjoying working alongside Sally Carman [who plays Abi]. I have been very lucky with the people that I’ve worked with on this show.
Would you like to see Kevin happily settled down?
For Kevin’s sake, I would, yes, but as an actor you don’t want your character to get too settled – I love the drama! Kevin seems to attract drama, so that is great for me. It doesn’t always need to be about romance either – it was great working with Sue Devaney, who played Kevin’s sister Debbie. I would love to see her come back to Weatherfield and find out the mess that her brother got himself into. He could do with someone to keep an eye on him!
Do you think that you would be friends with Kevin in real life?
Of course I would be his mate! I would go for drinks with him and probably try to offer him advice, but it would be more in the way that Kevin and Steve give Tim advice – and I’m not really sure that he would listen!
“Kevin and Abi are a great match – and bring out the best in each other…”