KEVIN’S STREET FIGHT

Corrie veteran Michael Le Vell on his character’s battle to prevent evil Ray from flattening Weatherfield

Coronation Street is in peril as never before this week as the show celebrates its 60th birthday. Ruthless Ray’s bulldozers swing into action, but they’re up against a band of locals determined to defend their homes.

Kevin Webster, who begins to suspect his sister Debbie of working with Ray, joins Abi, Ken and the rest in a protest against the flattening of the brewery. But will they win the race to make it a listed building before Ray starts redeveloping the Street?

Actor Michael Le Vell, who plays mechanic Kevin, says it’s not looking hopeful. ‘The residents won’t go down without a fight, but they feel it’s a fight that they’re destined to lose because money talks.’

Other sensational stories in this week’s three blockbuster hour-long specials to mark the anniversary of the show’s launch on 9 December 1960 include the end of Yasmeen’s trial (see left) and Carla and Adam’s cheating shame.

Michael, who’s played Kevin since October 1983, making him the fourth-longest-serving cast member, is thrilled to be part of the action. ‘I wasn’t in the 40th anniversary live episode and was gutted,

THE KEN, DEIRDRE AND MIKE LOVE TRIANGLE (1983) All three actors were fantastic in it. You never imagined Ken and Deirdre splitting up – let alone with the cause being a weasel like Mike Baldwin!

JACK, VERA AND VINCE ST CLAIR (1983) Vera Duckworth set husband Jack up after rumbling him using the fake persona of Vince with a video dating agency. When he went out in his white suit to meet a woman

so I’m delighted to be playing such a major part in the 60th anniversary storylines. I just find it amazing the writers can keep coming up with new stories after 60 years!’

Michael, who celebrates his own birthday on 15 December, when he turns 56, adds, ‘Corrie has brought escapism, realism and awareness of lots of important issues in society. But also laughter and joy.

‘These days viewers have so many options, but Coronation Street will always be the loveable grandma or grandad people turn to when they need stability. We’re like that big hug from your favourite auntie or uncle.’

And that’s never been more important than during the pandemic, he says. ‘People set their clocks to shows like ours, Emmerdale and Eastenders, it turned out to be Vera. It had me in stitches. Anything with Jack and Vera made me laugh a lot.

GEOFF AND YASMEEN It’s been so well played and creepy, which is everything you want in a strong storyline, and yet it’s so believable and moving and gripping.

so hopefully we’ve been doing our bit to bring some normality to people’s lives during the toughest time most of us have faced.

‘It’s a massive shame we’re not able to properly celebrate 60 years, but on the plus side we can continue to make the show, and I’m proud of how we’ve all adapted. We’re the lucky ones. I feel for all those struggling or losing their livelihoods.’

Michael says he’s ‘honoured and humbled to be a part of such a wonderful show’ but he still doesn’t consider it to be a job for life. ‘If they want me to stay forever then I’d love to because it’s fantastic working here, but you can never take it for granted,’ he says. ‘Will Corrie go on for another 60 years? I don’t see why not.’ ■