The genie of Aladdin's lamp has granted dumped Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy's greatest wish.

Kevin, who was fired from the soap in July after 20 years playing Curly Watts, has learnt the ITV soap's new boss wants to bring him back.

The bespectacled star wowed the crowds once again last night playing Wishee Washee at Brighton's Theatre Royal.

And now he hopes his brush with the city's pantomime magic has set the stage for a sensational Rover's return.

A Theatre Royal spokesman said: "At the moment it's business as usual but he's very excited at the prospect.

"He's contracted to perform here until January 18 and then is performing in Chicago in the West End for a few months.

"He has had a lot of good reviews here but he has said before he'd love to return to the soap."

Kevin, 43, was fired from his £108,000-a-year job by producer Kieran Roberts. New producer Tony Wood takes the reins from today.