Five Fast Facts About British Soap Star Michael Le Vell

Michael Le Vell is a British actor best known for his 36 years and counting stint as garage mechanic Kevin Webster on the ITV serial Coronation Street.

Along with his work on the world’s oldest, currently in production soap opera, Le Vell has also appeared in series such as Fame is the Spur and One By One. From where he was born and raised to his time playing football, here are five fast facts about this talented performer.

Who Is Michael Le Vell?

Born Michael Robert Turner, December 15, 1964, in Newton Heath, Manchester, Le Valle’s stage name is his mother’s maiden name split in two. After being bitten by the acting bug during his school days, Le Valle joined the Oldham Theatre Workshop to hone his craft.

Right Place, Right Time
After appearing on two series produced by the BBC – the aforementioned Fame is the Spur and One by One – Le Vell travelled to an open audition being held by Granada Studios, who was looking to cast the upcoming drama program Scully.

Judi Hayfield, the casting director for Coronation Street, mistakenly believed that the young actor had come to audition for a role on the soap. Even after being informed of her error, Hayfield asked Le Vell to return the next day and read for a new character that was soon to be introduced.

Soap Career

Return Le Vell did, and he was cast in the role of Kevin Webster – making it the third time that Le Vell would appear on the television staple. In 1983, he had played Neil Grimshaw – a troublesome paperboy who bullied his fellow co-workers into a strike after he was fired for poor performance – for two episodes.

Game, Set, Match
Le Vell – an avid Manchester United Fan – was once a member of All Stars, an all-celebrity football team. But after breaking three of his ribs during a 2007 match, he retired from the sport.

Getting Personal With Michael Le Vell

Le Vell is a father of two – eldest child Amelia Rae Turner was born in October of 1995 followed by her brother, Finley Jarred in April of 1999. Le Vell and his ex-wife Janette Beverley met on the set of Coronation Street in 1984 when Beverley was hired to play Elaine Pollard.