When people think of longevity in Coronation Street, they immediately think of William Roache, whoโs tenure on the cobbles as Ken Barlow stretches all the way back to 1960 and the soapโs first ever episode.
Coming in in second place, though, is Michael Le Vell, whoโs played Kevin Webster since 1983 when he was just 18 years old. Our Kevโ has been a stalwart of Weatherfield ever since, with only two small breaks taken, clocking up a 42 year run.
The historic cross-over episode between ITVโs two soaps, Corriedale, is rapidly approaching, with bosses promising carnage, destruction and, above all else, a high death toll. With our favourite Mancunian mechanic on the cast list, could we see the end of Mr. Webster?
Apparently, no, with Michael announcing that heโs signed another contract, which will keep him in his overalls for at least another year.
Michael Le Vellโs new Corrie contract
Speaking to The Mirror, Michael said: โYou can never take the job for granted. My contract was due in January and Iโve just been offered a new one, so I can breathe a sigh of relief for another year, but you can never look beyond that.
โThey might say โyou know what, we canโt write for you, we donโt know what to write for you anymore. Thank you and goodbye.โ Thatโs the nature of the beast.โ
Opening up about the nerves he still experiences while filming the show, Michael said: โNot a day goes by where I donโt get nervous. I get a churning stomach and I feel apprehensive, especially if Iโm in every scene.
โItโs even more stressful if Iโm in a scene with someone like Bill Roache or Barbara Knox โ mainly out of respect โ or if Iโm in a big scene in the Rovers. If there are lots of people in the pub, when it comes to your bit, youโre thinking โdonโt mess up, donโt mess up.โ Otherwise, theyโll all have to go back and do their dialogue again, so thatโs an added pressure.โ
Kevin Websterโs role in Corriedale
Speaking on his honour at being asked to participate in the soap event of the century, Michael said: โIt was an honour to be part of Corriedale because these things donโt come around too often.
โI was in a scene with a couple of Emmerdale actors โ Jeff Hordley (Cain Dingle) and Danny Miller (Aaron Dingle) โ as we tried to move a crashed car, which was great.โ
Explaining what it was like behind the scenes of the mega-ep, Michael revealed that the camaraderie behind the scenes made it a positive experience for all involved.
โThe episode involved a lot of night shoots out on location and our trailers were next to each other, so the casts of the two shows were always having a cup of tea and a chat, which was fun.
โItโs very exciting; it was a great privilege to be a part of it.โ
Could Kevin reunite with Sally?
Kevin was famously married to Sally (the ally) Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor)ย for 26 years (with a cheeky little gap between 1999 and 2002), producing two further Corrie icons, Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan) and Sophie Websterย (Brooke Vincent).
Though the two have since moved on, with Sally marrying Tim Metcalfeย (Joe Duttine) and Kevin being trapped in a toxic love triangle with (now ex) wife Abiย (Sally Carman-Duttine) and devious brother Carlย (Jonathan Howard).
When asked about whether he could see a reunion between Kev and Sal, Michael said: โPeople ask me all the time if Iโd like Kevin to get back with Sally and I always say no.
โItโs because I love Sally and Tim together. I think theyโre a great couple, so I wouldnโt want them splitting up, just so I can get back with Sally.โ
Michael, however, has his eyes on another Sally for a reunion. Sally Carman-Duttine, who plays Abi Webster, that is.
โIโd get back with Abi, because I love working with Sally Carman. I hope they find a way to reconcile them in 2026, but at this moment in time, thatโs not on the cards either.โ
