Coronation Street fans make same Kirk Sutherland star observation after major update

The actor has played Kirk since joining the ITV soap in 2000

Coronation Street fans have been making the same observation about Andy Whyment after the long-running show shared a major update on him.

Those who follow the ITV soap best know the actor for playing Kirk Sutherland since 2000. However, he first actually appeared in the long-running show in 1990 and 1997 and was just referred to as Mark.

He also previously appeared in the Salford-based programme as Wayne, a guy who was simply purchasing some fireworks in The Kabin.

But it was Kirk that Andy ended up becoming recognised for and viewers have been following the character’s life in Weatherfield ever since.

It was on Wednesday (October 22) that Corrie confirmed it had in fact been 25 years since Andy’s first official appearance on-screen as Kirk as they shared a string of memories on Instagram and said; “25 years of Kirk on’t Cobbles #Corrie @andywhy36.”

Andy was quick to respond, as he wrote in the comments section: “It’s been an honour and privilege to be part of the Corrie family for 25 years and hopefully many more to come,” before his co-stars flooded him with support.

Alan Halsall, who plays Corrie’s Tyrone Dobbs, said: “LEGEND !! Here’s to 25 more bro, love ya!” while Abi Webster star Sally Carman-Duttine replied: “Baby face! Here’s to the next 25 bud.” Vicky Myers, who plays DS Lisa Swain, also shared: “Happy Corrieversary Andy! x @andywhy36.”

Meanwhile, Andy also shared a similar string of snaps to his own Instagram page and said: “”5 years ago today Kirk Sutherland first appeared on @coronationstreet.

“I absolutely LOVE playing Kirk and it’s an honour and a privilege to have been a part of the Corrie family for a quarter of a century, and hopefully many more years to come. Here’s some pictures from the journey so far!”

And while Corrie fans shared their congratulatory messages, others couldn’t help but point out how they actually remember Andy, and it’s not because of his soap role.

@purplehairedholly said: “He’s a great character but sometimes I still see him as Darren from The Royle Family.” @loz.vinnie.willow commented: “He’s brilliant!! Loved him in ‘the Royle family’ and ‘I’m a celeb’ too. Seems so genuine!”

@spuddink1 replied: “You’ll always be Darren mate but congratulations on 25 years!” @jordanryanfletcher joked: “You’ve come a long way since nicking fridge freezers Darren.” @armel1087 added: “Wow 25 years. I’ve recently been rewatching The Royle Family – you were great as Darren.”