Curly leaves the Street

Kevin Kennedy took a break from the soap in 1998 to battle alcoholism

Coronation Street's Kevin Kennedy, who plays the hapless Curly Watts, is taking a sabbatical from the soap after 20 years.

His character will be written out in the autumn in a gritty storyline about police brutality, although Curly Watts will not be killed off.

The actor said he was quitting because he was "keen to spread his wings a bit" but is due to return to the fictional Weatherfield next year.

Kennedy said: "I have been wanting to take some time to pursue some new exciting projects for a while now and this gives me the ideal opportunity."

Curly will move away from Coronation Street with his police officer wife Emma as they battle to save their marriage.

Viewers will see the officer lie in court to cover up for a colleague who beat up the street's Les Battersby.

But the character of Emma, played by Angela Lonsdale, will not be returning.

Angela Lonsdale is quitting the soap

Lonsdale said: "I love working on Coronation Street but I was an actor for 10 years before I got the part of Emma Watts and I really feel the time is right to move on now.

Alcoholism

"The outcome of this storyline means that I can take new opportunities that are being offered and I am really excited about the future."

Curly has kept viewers entertained since his days as a dustman through to a career at the Bettabuys supermarket before becoming a house husband and councillor.

He has also had his heart broken by first wife Rachel, played by Sarah Lancashire, before finding what he thought was lasting love with Emma Taylor.

Kennedy took a break away from the soap between 1998 and 1999 after he admitted he was drinking two bottles of vodka a day.

He was admitted to the Priory, the clinic famed for rehabilitating celebrities, before rejoining Coronation Street after six months.