SOAP star Andy Whyment is to trade Corrie for Carry On in a move to the big screen.

Andy, who plays Kirk Sutherland in Coronation Street, is leaving next spring to take a starring role in Carry On London, the first film in the classic comedy series for more than a decade.

As comic Kirk, the talented Bradshaw actor has carved himself a position as one of the Street's most popular characters.

And Carry On producers were so impressed with the 22-year-old they signed him up for the movie, which begins filming next March.

Andy told The Gossip: "I've always been a massive fan of the Carry On Films. I couldn't single out a particular star or a particular film because I think they are all brilliant.

"I hadn't been looking to get into film, but they contacted me and I jumped at the chance."

The Carry On series became hugely popular during the 1960s thanks to stars such as Barbara Windsor, Kenneth Williams and Sid James. By the late 1970s, the series had fizzled out, although there was a one-off revival, Carry On Columbus, in 1992.

Andy said he has seen the scripts for Carry On London, although he was not allowed to talk about the details of his character.

But the level-headed actor -- who made his name as Darren in The Royle Family -- is unlikely to let his silver-screen debut go to his head. He hopes to return to Corrie when filming has finished.

"It should work out perfectly," he said.

The good news for him is that series chiefs seem keen to see him return.

A Street spokesman said: "We've loved having Andy here and we hope to have him back. We wish him well."

A spokesman for Granada added: "There is every chance that we will see him back in the Street."