Adam Rickitt, has revealed that he prefers starring in New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street to the UK’s Coronation Street.

Adam played the role of Nick Tilsley and was last seen on the ITV soap in 2004, a few years ago he he headed to New Zealand and was soon offered a role in its most popular soap Shortland Street.

“The then producer had created the role of Kieran Mitchell, which sounded really interesting,” Adam told The Manchester Evening News. “It was like a blank book for me to influence the character.”

Adam is already well known in the country as though Shortland Street is the country’s No 1 soap, Coronation Street is No 2.

“We’re a bit behind the UK, though, but David (Platt) needs a slap at the moment. He’s evil!” he laughs. “I really enjoyed Coronation Street, and would never say never to going back again but I’m very happy with where I am now.

“The main thing for me when I first came here was that, after 12 years in the business, I was finally able to actually act rather than be that pigeon-holed media personality.

“There’s no real cult of celebrity here – people don’t care about that – so you can concentrate on the acting itself.”