Corrie's Kirk opens branch

Coronation Street's rookie butcher today picked up some tips of the trade during a visit to Bilston.

Soap star Andrew Whyment, who has played hapless Kirk in the soap for the past seven years, dropped into the town to open a new branch of Harper's butchers.

The friendly star arrived to a rapturous round of applause and was happy to chat to customers and sign autographs, even taking his turn at serving meat over the counter.

Andrew said: "I thought it would be good to come down because Kirk is working in the butchers now. I don't know much about being a butcher but that's what I have come to find out about now.'He admitted he had never sampled the traditional Black Country favourite faggots and peas, but said following his visit he would definitely be giving them a go.

Scores of people descended on the market, some of them waiting for a couple of hours to get a glimpse of their favourite soap star.

Lisa Potts, aged 22, from Park Road, Darlaston, was among the first in the queue with her partner Paul Price, 29, daughter Kadie-May, 14 months, and five-year-old son Callum. She said: "We've been waiting since 10am just to get a glimpse of him.

"He is really nice and a great actor as well."

The actor remained tight-lipped about any dramatic future storylines coming up in the soap but said he hoped there would be a happy ending for his character and long-term love interest Fizz.

Following his visit to Bilston the actor, who has also appeared with Ricky Tomlinson, Ralph Little, and Sue Johnston, in The Royle Family, moved on to Walker's butchers in Wednesbury.

By Daniel Wainwright