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'If I'm feeling unsafe, I won't go out': Corrie's Kevin Kennedy reveals resonating restraints of his alcoholism after 18 years sober... yet admits he has shunned 'insanity and obsession'

By Ciara Farmer and Rebecca Davison for MailOnline

Published: 21:09 EST, 1 January 2017 | Updated: 03:20 EST, 2 January 2017

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He has always been candid about his battle with alcoholism.

And former Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy, who played Norman aka 'Curly' Watts in the soap for 30 years, has now admitted he stays in the house when he feels 'unsafe' against his urges after 18 years of sobriety.

Speaking to the Mirror, the 55-year-old actor discussed the ongoing restraints he feels at the hands of his addiction yet admits he has shunned the 'insanity and obsession' he once felt with alcohol.

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Back in the day... Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy, who played Norman aka 'Curly' Watts in the soap for 30 years, admits he stays in the house when he feels 'unsafe' against his urges after 18 years of sobriety

Kevin, who is currently starring as Jimmy's Da in the stage show of The Commitments, was a beloved member of the Corrie cast while playing the hapless character before his departure in 2003.

Despite the often light-hearted nature of his role, the actor was battling demons behind the scenes as his fight against alcoholism raged on.

After an amazing 18 years without a drink, the Mancunian star admits his methods to staying sober - including staying in when he feels 'unsafe' against his demons.

He said: 'I am long enough down the road to know my trigger points and where it’s not safe for me to go. It’s not easy but I am 18 years down the road and I know how to protect myself and keep myself safe. If I am feeling a little bit unsafe, I won’t go out.'

Holding on: Speaking to the Mirror, the 55-year-old actor discussed the restraints he feels at the hands of his addiction yet admits he has shunned the 'insanity and obsession' he once felt with booze

Way back when: Kevin, who is currently starring as Jimmy's Da in the stage show of The Commitments, was a beloved member of the Corrie cast while playing the hapless character before his departure in 2003

Kevin explained little details can trigger his urges, such as small frustrations yet he proudly admitted to his determination to fight against the feelings.

He revealed: 'Thank God it doesn’t happen that often. I don’t get that insanity and obsession with alcohol that I used to have.

'If I am not in the right mood, I won’t go into a pub...Now the bright lights of pubs and parties have to a certain extent worn off.'

In November, Kevin spoke on Lorraine Kelly about his battle and how his second wife Clare, also a recovering alcoholic, has helped keep him strong.

Living through it: Kevin admitted little details can trigger his urges, such as small frustrations yet he admits his determination to fight against the feelings

Staying strong: In November, Kevin spoke on Lorraine Kelly about his battle and how his second wife Claire, also a recovering alcoholic, has helped keep him strong

His addiction led to his first wife Dawn leaving him and later Clare doing the same, yet they reconciled and share two daughters - Katie May, 12, and Grace, nine.

He said: 'My wife has been incredible through the tough times. While I've been playing dress-up, she has been at home making a difference with charity work.'

Speaking to The Irish Times around the same time, he said: 'The moral of the story, if there is one, is to anyone out there who is struggling, there is an answer. You can do this you’ve just got to ask for help...

‘My daughters have never seen me take a drink and that’s good. I live a very good and full and happy life. Of course it’s not perfect, but you know I can deal with stuff and it’s alright’

Staying strong: Speaking to The Irish Times around the same time, he said: ' The moral of the story, if there is one, is to anyone out there who is struggling, there is an answer. You can do this you’ve just got to ask for help'

In his 2013 autobiography, Kevin admitted that he secretly drank in his Coronation Street dressing room to help him get through filming.

He got through a small bottle of vodka before shooting the soap, going on to drink more by 4pm, and collecting 30 or 40 empties out of his dressing room when he was sober.

The star also confessed that at the height of his addiction he suffered panic attacks if he couldn’t get to the pub and once threatened to throw himself out of a car unless a friend stopped for vodka.