Actor Kevin Kennedy seemed to have an idyllic life – earning a fortune and holidaying the Caribbean.

But behind the scenes, Kevin, 53, was battling a secret alcohol addiction, having his first drink when he woke up and steadily drinking throughout the day, even turning to cocaine to enable him to carry on boozing into the early hours.

It was during this time he met his present wife Clare, now 45.

She had no idea about the extent of his problems, but as his life unravelled she left him and in 1998 he had a nervous breakdown at the Corrie studios.

After a 28-day stint in celebrity detox clinic, The Priory, he gradually got his life back on track, returned to Coronation Street and rebuilt his relationship with Clare.

DEVASTATED AUNT: 'I WATCHED MY BELOVED NIECE DIE AGED 36 FROM ALCHOLISM'

But 12 years ago he left Corrie and since then the couple have lived a very different life to when he was a household name.

They live in Brighton with their two children, away from the spotlight - together they've set up an alcohol recovery charity and he performs in theatres around the UK and on cruise ships.

But the couple say they are happier than ever.

Clare admits: “Our lives have completely changed from when we first met. Before it was all about partying and drinking. I was dating one of the most recognisable men in the country, Kevin would constantly get stopped by fans in the street or get photographed rolling out of clubs – but we loved the attention.

“Now we’ve realised that the world doesn’t revolve around us, and our focus is on family time and helping other addicts in our local area. We’ve calmed down, but it’s much more fulfilling.”

To read more of Kevin's story, buy Closer - out now.