Former Coronation Street bad boy Terry Duckworth, aka Nigel Pivaro, has been making the papers again – this time as a reporter.

The ex-soapstar was often in the media spotlight during his 20 years as an actor.

But he is now turning his hand to writing the news, and is currently enjoying a work experience placement at the Manchester Evening News.

He has, however, already turned down a job at the News of the World – which got in touch after learning of his journalistic ambitions.

Nigel told HoldtheFrontPage: “They did express an interest in me doing a couple of pieces, but I said I was very flattered but it was better to keep the powder dry and I’d feel more comfortable once I have completed my NCTJ course.”

Nigel with the MEN’s Neal Keeling

The 46-year-old has spent almost two weeks in the paper’s Salford office, and even won a front-page byline with a story about an eight-year-old girl who had to be taken to hospital after swallowing a poisonous chemical she found in her headteacher’s office.

Nigel has joined the National Union of Journalists and is planning to study a post-graduate course in journalism in Liverpool next year.

He then hopes to find a full-time job in newspapers, and eventually specialise in security and conflict.