http://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=1350
"I think it's a good way of Terry making his mark on the place that he left and telling everyone else that he can make good and shoving it to them" Nigel says, with a little touch of menace "There is a degree of latent vengeance to all the people he grew up with and knew. It's like saying `Not only can I make it on my own doorstep and stomping ground but I can have a lap dancing club too'. It's like sticking two fingers up to them really. It's not like having a wine shop or a haberdashers, it's obviously going to antagonise them.
"He's still very much a villain, he's not redeemed yet" he adds "I do look forward to the day when, like some villains, the leopard will change his spots and he will actually come good. But that day still hasn't arrived..."
"If you can't beat it, join it" he decides "I don't have to prove anything to anyone. That was a problem in show business in a way… `Will you be right for this part or that part, because you're so well known from Coronation Street'…but that doesn't matter in journalism because if the story's good enough and credible enough the story goes up. You can even write under a different name. That's the beauty of journalism. In my mind it doesn't come into it as a hindrance."
Indeed, in the world of journalism the face has helped…it's hilarious to watch Nigel going in somewhere to ask about regeneration or whatever only to be met by confused, open mouthed interviewees…
"When I started at the Tameside Reporter or even doing work experience at the Evening News, knocking on someone's door, cold calling, I always found that for once in my life my face was an advantage" he explains "The best bit was when you do an investigative piece for something, like…"
The Salford Star!
"Yes, the Salford Star – I'll get struck off by the NUJ after this - the best thing is to walk into, say, a builder's office while doing an investigation for the Salford Star and because they recognise you off the telly it's an ice breaker."
"Going back in the Street was thoroughly exhausting but at the same time thoroughly exhilarating because after five years as a journalist it was a change, like a holiday" he decides "It was good to see people I go back thirty years with too, like Mike Lavelle, Barbara Knox, Anne Kirkbride and Eileen Derbyshire, real troopers. It was lovely picking up those relationships, and the challenge of creating new working relationships like with Chris Fountain, who plays Tommy, and Michelle Keegan who plays Tina. It was quite a challenge. Now, if they say `Do you want to come back again?' I'd say `Absolutely'. The two jobs are compatible."
Meanwhile, having finished filming all the episodes, expect to see Nigel Pivaro, journalist, writing again for the Salford Star…
"…and other publications" he adds "It's like starting the big engine up again and getting the leads, following the leads and taking it from there…"
And looking forward to when the Salford Star gets back into print…
"Yes, and looking forward to when the Salford Star gets back into print…"
And maybe anyone from Coronation Street who wants to see that could give us a donation…
"Yes" Nigel faithfully repeats, on pain of having his cup of tea removed "all donations from my fellow cast members on Coronation Street, especially those who have got strong Salford connections, would be duly welcomed…"
Then she will wake up anyway. But Tina is a pain and sticking her nose in, so good on Terry for putting her in her place. 