Vic Reeves to appear in Coronation Street

Comic signs up for major storyline

Vic Reeves has signed up for a major recurring role in Coronation Street.

The comic is set to appear in a 20-episode story arc in what he has long hailed as his favourite TV show.

Reeves, whose real name is Jim Moir, will start filming the three-month stint in July.

He plays a TV presenter called Colin who comes to Weatherfield to film with Norris and Mary after they are chosen to make an appearance on his show.

He said: 'I've been a lifelong fan of Corrie. In fact, I think I saw the very first one. I try not to miss any episodes. "I'm really looking forward to acting in Corrie. It's a real thrill to be part of a British Institution."

Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts said: 'Jim is such a well-loved entertainer and a brilliant actor so we're thrilled he's joining the cast of Coronation Street.'

The comic has increasingly moving into straight acting, usually under his real name. He played Eric Morecambe's dad George in the 2011 Eric & Ernie biopic, Joe in comic Jason Cook's sitcom Hebburn, and had a guest role as a shady pawnbroker in Inspector George Gently. He will also appear in the upcoming drama film Funny Cow, starring Maxine Peake as a stand-up.

Moir, 58, has previously spoken of his love of the ITV soap, saying: 'I have watched Corrie since I was little and have never ever missed an episode. For me it's the greatest TV. I'd love to be on Corrie, it would make my life complete.'

No one as officially commented on the reports, but Reeves would follow a long line of comedians who have appeared on the show, including Peter Kay, Sean Hughes, and Norman Wisdom.

As Chortle reported last week, Reeves is reunited with double-act partner Bob Mortimer for a one-off revival of Big Night Out, the seminal Nineties show that made cult superstars of them both.

And he recently tweeted this image with Bob, which we reproduce for no other reason that it's funny: