Corrie's Kirk 'very happy' on soap
Coronation Street actor Andy Whyment has revealed that he has no desire to try his luck in the US.
The 28-year-old said he has a "great life" on the ITV show, with perks including "a lot of time off" and a short commute.
Whyment, who plays Kirk Sutherland, told The People: "I'm very happy, and to still enjoy your job after eight years is something special. I've always said I'll stay at Coronation Street as long as they'll have me.
"I know a lot of people would jump at the chance to work in America, but I'm just not one of them.
"I don't enjoy the celebrity lifestyle and I don't go to all the awards ceremonies and parties - it's not my cup of tea. I'd rather go home and watch TV with my wife on the sofa."
Whyment's wife Nichola, 24, gave birth to the couple's first child Thomas last month.
Kirk auditions for X Factor
Coronation Street's Kirk Sutherland will be seen auditioning for The X Factor in a special comedy sketch due to air next month.
The Weatherfield resident tries his luck in front of Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and guest judge Nicole Scherzinger, hoping to impress them by belting out Kings of Leon's hit song 'Sex On Fire'.
In a twist, Kirk proves remarkably popular with the live audience and even secures a standing ovation from Nicole - but does he have what it takes to win over Simon and make it through to the next round?
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Kirk's X Factor try-out is one of a number of Corrie sketches which have been filmed for the forthcoming ITV1 special Coronation Street: The Big 50. Airing at the end of the soap's anniversary week, the show sees Paul O'Grady play host to a celebratory party, featuring music, some birthday surprises from the cast and "the ultimate Corrie quiz".
Speaking of his love for Corrie, O'Grady commented: "If I don't dip into the lives of the folk from Weatherfield on a regular basis I get withdrawal symptoms. As a vampire needs blood, I need a nightly dose of Corrie. It has always been there, Bill Roache and Barbara Knox are as familiar faces as family.
"Personally my favourite character was Elsie Tanner and my favourite moment was getting a mention from Blanche (Maggie Jones), who said she would 'crawl over hot coals for Paul O'Grady'. I nearly dropped dead."
Coronation Street: The Big 50 airs on Friday, December 10 at 9pm on ITV1.