LOCAL actor Andrew Whyment -- known to millions as dodgy Darren on BBC's comedy The Royle Family -- is set for even greater stardom.

Andrew Whyment, who plays Anthony's best mate in the cult series, is on the verge of gaining a permanent part in Coronation Street.

In The Royle Family, 19-year-old Andrew's character gets into scrapes with the police and has to complete community service.

Now the Bolton actor has revealed he is waiting for the nod from Granada bosses following a brief appearance in the Street two weeks ago.

Andrew played the brother of Tyrone's bride-to-be, Maria, and appeared during the couple's engagement party.

If he does land the plush role permanently it will have been a well-earned rise to fame for the Bradshaw lad, who cut his acting teeth on shows including Cracker, Heartbeat and Where the Heart Is.

He said: "I've just got a new agent and I'm being offered more roles now. I really enjoyed my time in Coronation Street and I'm waiting to hear if they want to have me back."

Viewers of The Royle Family have now seen two of the three episodes in which Andrew appears as Darren, the dozy friend of Anthony Royle, played by Bury actor Ralph Little.

And already he has become a big talking point with his on-screen Ali G impressions.

Andrew said: "I was rubbish at it but Ralph was really good. What you see on screen is me actually trying to do the impression and the whole thing was a spur-of-the-moment thing."

"But it adds to the charm of Darren, who's a bit of a drip anyway. Caroline seems to like my character."

He has become close friends with The Royle Family's producers Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash -- also known as Denise and Dave in the hit show -- and he is hoping he will appear in the next series.

He was keeping tight-lipped about the plots of the forthcoming shows, however. He said teasingly: "You'll have to wait and see but the Christmas special which we've just finished filming has a few surprises."

His comedy potential was also spotted by comedian Harry Enfield who used him in his new creation "The Mancs", which was recently screened as part of his comedy show on Sky One.

But Andrew, who has been acting since he was 11, said his school pals in Swinton were less than complimentary about his single-minded route to stardom.

He was close to moving schools on numerous occasions because the hassle proved to be too much but ultimately he decided to stay to show he would not be beaten.

The actor said: "My dad told me it was because they were jealous and that helped me understand. They were hanging around on street corners and I was doing something with my life and at the end of the day, I've done quite well out of it.

"I'm being noticed a lot more now but I hope people don't think I'm like Darren in real life. I don't go pinching stuff for a start."

He was also adamant he wanted to remain close to his northern roots.

Asked whether his increased fame would see him follow Ralph, Sara Cox and Nichola Holt to London, he said: "I'm hoping that I don't have to because I don't like London that much. I would if any of my roles called for it but I'd prefer to stay around here." Andrew Whyment with Ralph Little as Anthony and Darren in The Royle Family. Below, Andrew chats to the BEN about his latest role