John Michie tells TV Times magazine about Karl’s comeuppance on Coronation Street and leaving Weatherfield for Holby City…
Next week, Craig Tinker makes an accusation which could blow the 'secret' - that he burnt down The Rovers and killed Sunita!
"Karl was starting to think that he had got away with it, but then Craig comes up with this annoying fact which plunges him straight back into the jungle of madness. But he feels he can control this kid, at least for a period of time until he gets out or gets Stella."
Has it been difficult to portray?
"Colson Smith [who plays Craig] and I spent an hour going through the lines together in our spare time, but afterwards, he said: “I really did feel scared.'"
Do you think Craig should be watching his back?
"Karl will do anything to get his prize which is Stella, so Craig had better watch out. I know I have always said Karl is no killer, but he is starting to go slightly mad now."
It seems like there's a lot to fit in before you leave in September…
"It is quite short and intense. It is a month of Karl ducking and diving, trying not to get caught."
What is Karl's exit like?
"I think the writers have got his exit just right. He doesn’t die, which is good because you never know, in a couple of years, he might come back. I don’t believe in closing doors unless you have to."
How does it feel to be leaving?
"I will be sad to go, but I think I have been in it for the right amount of time. It is such a massive show and there is intense publicity around it. There are certain places that I haven’t been able to go to without disguising myself so that nobody knows I am Karl!"
You immediately start on Holby City next, where you play consultant neurosurgeon Guy Self!
"I am really pleased to be going into Holby City as I have always fancied playing a doctor, and a neurosurgeon will be doubly interesting. My mum was a nurse, my sister is a nurse, my brother-in-law is a GP and I am from Edinburgh which is a real medical city, so there are plenty of people around me to help me do the research."
You'll be moving back to London for the job, so how will you say goodbye to Manchester?
"I am going to blow away this part with a party. We are going to start out at a pub locally, because I want to say goodbye to all the crew. I have made some good friends at Corrie. I am coming back in September for Catherine Tyldesley’s birthday and there are a couple of pals I will make an effort to keep in touch with. I am going to miss it. It has been a big part of my life."
