Manchester Chat - Date: Friday 20th June 2003

Editor:   Welcome to ManchesterOnline, Andy.
We had a lot of questions mailed in so shall we start with some of them?

email_question: How did you get your first break? I am keen to get a audition with June West, but it is very very very difficult! Any tips for a struggling young drama graduate?

Andy: I started doing background work and then I got a part in a series called Once Upon a Time in the North and that was a six part series with Bernard Hill. If it is something you want to do just keep it up and never give up.

Albert_Tatlock: Which of your fellow Corrie actors do you most admire and why?

Andy: Bill Roache for being their 43 years. I get on with everyone really well, it is like one big family we all look out for each other. if someone new comes into the Street everyone is really friendly.

email_question: Charlie from Stockport asks, Do you feel that Kirk Sutherland has in any way, shape or form affected you off-screen at all?

Andy: People come up to me in the street because Kirk is really funny and ask me to make them laugh.

email_question: Charlie from Stockport asks, How hard is it keeping a straight face while delivering, sometimes, some really fine comedic one-liners?

Andy: You have just got to do it, that is what you are paid to do. There are a lot of people relying on me and the filming schedules are really tight because we are churning out more than a feature film each week. Sometimes we do laugh, but not very often. It is hard when I am filming with Bruce (les Battersby) because he is really funny and makes me laugh all the time.

email_question: Dan from Chorley asks, What's your opinion on the David Beckham transfer saga and who should the boss bring in as a replacement?

Andy: David Beckham has been great for Manchester United over the years and if you are asking me who we should bring in, then that is up to the manager. I trust Fergie's opinion and if he felt Becks had to go then so be it.

email_question: Alan from Kendal asks, Do you prefer working on The Street or on The Royle Family?

Andy: I had a really good time filming the Royle Family and I worked with some great actors and actresses, but Coronation Street now is what I enjoy doing and I really enjoy playing Kirk.

email_question: Alan from Kendal asks, Which character is more like you in real life?

Andy: There isn't really anybody that i think is like me on the show, people tell me I look a lot like Kirk!!!!

silver_fox: Have you got any plans for after Corrie, perhaps a movie career?

Andy: You never know, but as I say Coronation Street is my number one priority at the moment.

email_question: Alan from Kendal asks, Which fellow actor is your best mate off screen?

Andy: Alan Halsall who plays Tyrone. He's my housemate and we always go out at weekends and have a good laugh. We go to watch United together.

email_question: Michelle O Malley asks, my brothers girlfriend is Katy Appleton who used to go to school with you. Do you remember her?

Andy: Yes I remember Katie. tell her I said hello and I hope everything is well.

Paul: Andy, I spotted you last year watching United in the Radclyffe Arms in Middleton.... Do you get to many matches?

Andy: Yes I go to every home game at Old Trafford and this season I am going to try to get to a few away games as well. It all depends on how busy I am at Coronation Street.

Guest: do you remember rachael zammit who went to school with you

Andy: Yes I do remember Rachael. Hope she is OK.

Paul: hope to see you around next season then!

Susan: Do you think you'll stay in Street for many years?

Susan: Will you miss Curly?

Andy: As I said before, we will just have to wait and see what happens.

Andy: Yes Kevin kennedy is brilliant to have around the Green Room. He is always joking and making everyone laugh. I'm sure he'll do very well.

Guest: she is fine, she graduates 18th july

Susan: What star sign are you? Do you believe in it?

Andy: I am Aries, but I don't believe in it. I am a big believer of fate.

Guest1305: WOULD YOU RECOMMEND A GOOD DRAMA SCHOOL FOR MY 13 YR OLD DAUGHTER

Andy: I went to Oldham Theatre workshop as did many of the cast such as Michael Le Vell, Sally Whittaker. Also Lisa Riley and Anna Friel went there. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot there.

silver_fox: What kind of shoes are you wearing? AN excellent indicator of taste, style and personality.

Andy: I am wearing nice, comfy Reebok classics.

silver_fox: Andy you should really get yourself on friends reunited, now you're a bit famous seems like everyone remembers you from school and want to be your best mate again. Fickle world.

Jack: Where do you like to go out in town?

Andy: I usually start off in Square and then we usually go to Walkabout.

email_question: Phil from Dover asks, what is your favourite northern dish. Meat & potato Pie in a tray with Mushy-Peas & loads of Gravy?

Andy: My mum's Sunday dinner. She always gives me loads of cauliflower which is my favourite. Good on you mum, I love you to bits.

Albert_Tatlock: Who is your favourite all time United player and why?

Andy: I've got a few, Cantona was amazing. But I wish I could have seen george Best but I have only been able to see it on videos. At the moment I really like Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Vera: Aren't I your favourite northern dish?

Guest1305: IS THE STAFF RESTAURANT ANY GOOD AT GRANADA

Andy: I'll eat anything - there is usually something there for me. The girls in the canteen are great.

Albert_Tatlock: If you werent an actor what job do you think you would be doing now?

Andy: Really I haven't done anything else - this is all I've ever done. I did acting trhough school since I was eight, so really when people ask me that question I don't know what to say. I worked at Dixons as a holiday job once. I enjoy playing football - I'm just not very good!!!

email_question: Steve from Warrington asks, Which Corrie characters are most unlike themselves in real life?

Andy: Alan is completely different to Tyrone. Tyrone is a bit dopey, but Alan is very much on the ball.

email_question: Patricia from Ireland ask, How do you find it possible to step in and out of character, and wonders who is going to win the new girl at the allotments?

Andy: Stepping in and out of character is an actor's job. As soon as you step onto set you become that character. And as for who wins Maz at the allotments - you will have to wait and see.

email_question: Jackie from Manchester asks My daughter leaves Ambrose Barlow (which im sure you know) next week after her exams are finished and is doing a drama course at pendleton college, any tips for her?

Andy: Work hard and follow your dreams if it is what you really want to do. Best of luck.

Vera: What do you most like doing in your spare time?

Andy: There's a few things. I enjoy just chilling at home, playing my guitar and singing. And then there's the football at the weekends - bring on the new season.

Guest: thanks for the advice!! (jackie's daughter!)

relaxnfly: Hi Andy, you all look as though you are great mates on the show, do you have loads of laughs on set?

Andy: WE just have a really good laugh. All the crew and cast are just great to get on with.

email_question: Natalie from Manchester asks, Do you remember going to watch the stockcar racing for charity at belle vue? I was the girl in the bar who wouldnt ask for your autograph. My dad says your welcome to come anytime you can.

Andy: I had a really good night, maybe I will go down there again sometime. Don't be afarid to come and say hello.

Vera: Whose you current favourite band?

Andy: I have just bought the new Stereophonics album and think that is really good. Hopefully Oasis will bring something new out.

mary: hi andy,is there any other talented members in your family

Andy: Everyone is there own individual way has their own talent. No matter what my family do I love them all to bits.

Guest: I've got an audition next thursday, to see if i can do drama at pendleton college! I have to do a 2minute monologue, any tips on what I could do it on!!??

Andy: You have to do something that you know really well and that makes the most of YOUR talents. Practice loads and good luck.

email_question: Audrey from Canada says, we are 6 months behind watching Corrie in Canada. Is there anything I should be looking forward to? What happens to Richard after the fire?

Andy: Kepp your eye on Richard Hillman. Also there is some trouble in store for Les.

relaxnfly: I've just recently moved to the Manchester area and I've already noticed that many members of the cast get involved in local events and charities, do you support any?

Andy: I am a patron of Hope Special Care Baby Unit because I was in there when I was born. I also do a bit for Pendlebury Children's Hospital. It is nice to give something back.

Guest: thank-you! just need to think of what i can actually do it on though, thats the hard part!!

Albert_Tatlock: So far there have been 91 deaths in Coronation Street as part of the storylines. How would you like to see Kirk killed off when the time comes?

Andy: That's a good question!! Something dramatic - I haven't really thought about it but I'd love a really explosive storyline.

uncle_tony: is it true your a man city fan

Andy: Don't you start!!!

Guest: you cant kill of kirk!!

Guest: nooooooo!! andy is a united fan aint he!!!

Tommo: I read the other day that you were bullied at school. How did you cope and what advice would you give to kids in the same situation?

Andy: Always stick to your dreams. I was bullied because i was different and wanted to be an actor, I went dancing when i was younger. If you are being bullied don't let it get you down because bullies quickly become bored and move on, and speak to an adult you trust.

Mark: Is there any rivalry between the City and United fans on the Street?

Andy: We have a bit of friendly banter - mainly with Kevin Kennedy. There's more United fans than City fans. After they beat us at maine Road it was awful going into work - although they did deserve to win.

uncle_tony: do you drive a skoda rapide so you wont be reconised

Andy: They must be Ok because you drove one. Now go outside and drive your lime green Punto.

Guest: theres always rivalry between city and united fans! (jokingly like!)

relaxnfly: Have you worked in any other TV Drama recently?

Andy: Coronation Street has such a demanding schedule there just isn't time. But you do get to do a lot of dramatic stuff in the show anyway with all the different storylines.

Mark: Is Caroline Aherne the genius some critics make out, or are you the talented one on The Royle Family?

Andy: Caroline Aherne really is a genius. Her and Craig Cash who both wrote the show are very talented and I learned a lot off them.

Angie: Are you single?

Andy: Yes i am single.

Guest45871: Any more Royle Family in the pipeline?

Angie: I'm single too!

Andy: No, I don't think they are doing any more. It was a great show and will always be seen as a cult series.

Vera: I bet you won't be single for long

Albert_Tatlock: Do you watch Eastenders?

Andy: No I don't watch Eastenders because I don't get home from work in time.

Guest: what do you look for in a girl??

Andy: That's top secret!!

Albert_Tatlock: Since you started watching Corrie, who has been your favourite character?

Guest: aww! can't you say what you would like in a girl!! we won't tell anyone!!!

Andy: My favourite character of all time is Les Battersby. He is played brilliantly by bruce - he can have you on the floor in laughter, he can have you hating him as well, but everybody must ave felt sorry for Les when he got sent down and for once he was innocent. It is an honour to work with bruce.

Rita: Free the Weatherfield One

Mark: What would you do if you won the lottery? Would you stay in Corrie?

Andy: I would stay in Corrie because I enjoy it so much. When I get a bit of time off I get bored because all my mates work during the day. But I'd buy my mum and dad a massive house!!! And I would give my brother and sister and the rest of the family some money.

AnGuest: Why does no-one in Coronation Street watch television

Andy: Because we film a few weeks in advance getting characters to watch television is difficult because a lot of things on television are topical and would quickly become dated. A lot of planning went into Coronation Street incorporating footage of last year's Commonwealth Games, including Norris as a volunteer.

Guest1598: What was your favourite subject in school?

Andy: My favourite subject would have been drama but my school didn't do it, so I had to make do with Home Economics!

email_question: Stu from Sale says, Keep up the good work in Corrie, you are the best thing about it (apart from the bird who plays your sister)

Andy: Thanks a lot Sam is great to work with too. I'll let her know she has a fan!!

Len_Fairclough: Why does the beer in the Rovers not get anyone drunk?

Andy: Obviously we can't have real ale so we have to make do with very weak shandy! No-one would remember their lines otherwise.

Editor: Thanks to Andy for answering so many questions. A full transcript from today's chat will appear on the site later this afternoon.