[Scarlett.]

Coronation Street actor Peter Armitage has revealed he has beaten cancer.

The actor first appeared on the show 30 years ago when he started playing Bill Webster, and was last seen on-screen in 2011, shortly after his character had suffered a heart attack.

Armitage spoke about his diagnosis with bowel cancer to The Mirror, saying: "I first noticed a problem last May when I was down in Perpignan in France for my cousin's 80th birthday party. I noticed a little bleeding in a bowel movement, so when I got home about ten days later I went to my doctor."

He added: "They say smoking and bad diet could have links to bowel cancer, but I'm normally a fit and healthy sort of bloke."

Armitage went on to say that he has been "incredibly fortunate" but urged others to make sure they get checked out by a doctor.

"I'd like to say to other people - if you see something untoward, get to the doctor straight away," he explained. "Don't let embarrassment put you off - because embarrassment with cancer could kill you."

The 74-year-old also said that he is hopeful about a return to the soap, commenting: "It's 30 years since I first started on the cobbles and I've always come in and out. Now Michael Le Vell [Kevin Webster] has been cleared, Kevin is due back on the cobbles in the spring and they've said Bill is fine.

"I'd like to go back again, too, if there's a storyline for me."


DS