A NORTH-EAST actor is hoping to win the nation's heart when he debuts on Britain's favourite soap.

Michael Imerson will appear on Coronation Street as mechanic Tyrone's love rival.

The 24-year-old will play surfer Dave Bellis, who stole the heart of young hairdresser Maria when she and Tyrone holidayed in Spain.

There are some intense scenes between the two love rivals when Dave arrives in the street on December 4.

Mr Imerson, from Spennymoor, County Durham, said his character was only in the show for a few weeks, but that he could return.

He said: "I have been told that it depends on viewers' reactions whether or not I will become a permanent character.''

Mr Imerson, who lives in London, has appeared on The Bill and Doctors and has acted in short films for television.

He said he never had ambitions to be in a soap, but had enjoyed his time on Coronation Street so much that he wanted to go back.

He said: "If you had asked me last year whether I wanted to have a permanent job at Coronation Street, then I would have said no.

"But the cast were so lovely and Samia Ghadia, who plays Maria, is beautiful. I think the viewers will really like Dave, and who knows?

"I would really like to go back and see Dave become one of the main characters."

Published: 23/11/2004