A dog’s life preferable

Press, 6 October 1989, Page 13

A dog’s life preferable

By

TONY VERDON

in London

Former “Coronation Street" star, Geoffrey Hughes, has turned down an offer to return to the soap — because he wants to play a dog. He told producers he was having the time of his life playing a range of zany roles, including a dog and an alien, according to the “Daily Star” newspaper in London. Hughes, aged 45, played binman Eddie Yeats in the series, but he says his decision to leave the show was one of the best of his career.

This is in spite of the fact that Eddie Yeats was one of the most popular characters in “Coronation Street’s” long history. “People from ‘Coronation Street’ have asked me several times to return,” said Hughes. “I know I could go back at any time. But I am enjoying myself too much and don’t want to be locked into a soap again.” Hughes told the newspaper he particularly liked playing Dirk the Dog, in the canine comedy “I Lovett.” “It was great fun. I only did the voice, but loved every second of it and hope BBC2 will make a full series,” he said. Hughes is also set to play an alien, who ventures to Earth looking for adventure, in a children’s television show, written by “Dr Who” writers Pip and Jane Baker. Hughes was voted “Coronation Street’s” favourite character three times running during his decade as Eddie Yeats. He is currently starring in a British tour of the thriller “Dead of Night,” written by “Coronation Street” scriptwriter Peter Whalley.