Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)

Vell I never... Corrie Michael on town

- EXCLUSIVE BY HALINA WATTS Showbiz Editor

CORRIE veteran Michael Le Vell enjoys a rare night out with his co-stars – after he swapped boozing for horse riding.

The bearded actor, who plays mechanic Kevin Webster, was the “life and soul” at The Alchemist in Manchester as cast members celebrated landing five gongs at the Inside Soap Awards.

Co-stars including Sair Khan, 29, Alan Halsall, 35, and Brooke Vincent, 25, joined him. A source said: “Michael is really boring these days and rarely comes out. Normally he goes straight home from work or is horse riding. But he wanted to celebrate with his colleagues who are also close friends. They had a great time.”

Four years ago Michael, 52, said he had 12-pint-a-night lager addiction. He returned to the ITV soap after a spell in rehab and in 2014 said he was getting sober.

He took up riding and last year donated £1,000 to save a sick horse at Angel’s Rescue Centre in Macclesfie­ld, where he regularly volunteers with his girlfriend Louise Gibbons, 39. The couple’s relationsh­ip has stepped up a gear and he has been telling pals she is “the one”.

One said: “Michael is loving life. Horse riding has helped immensely and his relationsh­ip with Louise is really strong.”

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