The Dan Spencer actor spoke to the ECHO in an exclusive interview as he prepares to star in a pantomime
The soap actor is renowned for his role as Dan Spencer in the fictional Yorkshire village. The 53-year-old played Dan for 12 years before he bowed out in a bombshell story when his character was jailed for eight years.
He said: "I went in for eight episodes and I ended up doing 1,000. You learn your trade in a place like that." He added: "I've still got plenty of mates there and mates who aren't on the show anymore, who I'm still pally with. Even now, Bhasker Patel, who plays Rishi and left a few months before me. My phone pings at 2am and the wife knows it's him.
"Obviously it's going to be really hard work, but after doing soap and TV, which was a totally different beast, it's a whole different type of performance. On stage, especially with characters like this, it's got to be big and bold. It's going to be fun to be ridiculous for a bit." He said: "They're just always friendly here. Over the last 10 years, Liverpool has come on loads. It's just vibrant and everywhere is buzzing. It's a really great city."
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Revisiting Emmerdale's Fiona Wade's fairytale wedding to actor Simon CottonEXCLUSIVE: As Emmerdale stars Fiona Wade and Simon Cotton celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary together, we take a closer look back at their stunning fairytale wedding
Read more »
ITV Emmerdale's Cathy Hope's life off screen with actor twin and famous mumGabrielle Dowling, who plays Cathy Hope, has a famous mum and actor twin who has been with her since she first started on the show as a baby.
Read more »
Strictly star flooded with support as he makes 'tough' admissionThe former Emmerdale actor gave an insight into his preparations after a difficult week
Read more »
All Creatures Great and Small's Ryan Hawley's life from Emmerdale role to wifeFormer Emmerdale star Ryan Hawley who played Robert Sugden is returning to TV three years after he quit the soap, but what has he been up to since and what else has he been in?
Read more »
17 Emmerdale picture spoilers for next week confirm a Dingle murdererHuge.
Read more »
ITV Emmerdale's Ryan star James Moore's life - cerebral palsy battle to fiancéJames Moore plays Ryan Stocks in Emmerdale, but off screen spends time with his fiancé and promotes those with disabilities to follow their dreams amid his cerebral palsy battle
Read more »