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Adam Rickitt

Adam Rickitt
Rickitt in 2010
Born
Adam Peter Rickitt

(1978-05-29) 29 May 1978 (age 46)
Crewe, Cheshire, England
Occupations
  • Actor
  • singer
  • model
Years active1997–present
Known for
Spouse
Katy Fawcett
​
(m. 2014)​

Adam Peter Rickitt (born 29 May 1978) is an English actor and singer. He portrayed the part of Nick Tilsley on the British soap opera Coronation Street from 1997 to 1999, and again from 2002 to 2004. He later joined the New Zealand soap Shortland Street for a three-year stint between 2007 and 2010. From 2017 to 2020, he appeared as Kyle Kelly on Channel 4's Hollyoaks. His other credits include the BBC's Doctors (2001; 2016; 2023).

Rickitt had a musical career, both as a solo artist and as a member of 5th Story, a supergroup formed for the ITV reality series The Big Reunion. Alone, he released Good Times (1999) through Polydor Records, an album that spawned the UK Top 25 singles "I Breathe Again", "Everything My Heart Desires", and "The Best Thing". He attempted to embark on a political career within the Conservative Party in 2005, but has since denounced the party's views.[1]

Early life

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Rickitt was born in Crewe, the youngest of four brothers who grew up in Cuddington, Eddisbury.[2] His father was the co-owner of an estate agency. Rickitt was educated at Sedbergh School, a boarding school in Cumbria.[3] Rickitt has spoken publicly about suffering from bulimia in his teenage years and about how male sufferers have largely been neglected.[4]

Career

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1997–2004: Coronation Street and music career

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Prior to his acting career, Rickitt was briefly a child model. He subsequently modelled for magazines including Attitude and Cosmopolitan. Rickitt auditioned for the ITV soap opera Coronation Street in 1997. He did it as a joke, having never watched an episode, and his agent said that he would not get it.[2] However, he was cast in the role of Nick Tilsley and remained on the soap until 1999, returning briefly in 2002 and for a longer spell from 2003 to 2004. His most famous and controversial storyline was in 2003, when his character was involved in the series' first gay kiss with Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley).[2]

Rickitt left Coronation Street in 1999 to start a music career. He signed a six-album deal with Polydor Records, although he only released one album - Good Times (1999). Rickitt's first single, "I Breathe Again", reached number five in the UK and was certified silver by BPI. The album peaked at number 41 on the UK Albums Chart.[5] Rickitt was then dropped.[2]

Rickitt starred as Mark Cohen in the 2001 UK tour of Rent, before moving to London's West End.[6] He made a return to the London stage to star in Bill Kenwright's production of Office Games, followed by a new play, Final Judgement, and also appeared in Nick Moran's play Telstar on UK tour in 2005.[7]

2005–2010: Political ventures and Shortland Street

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In October 2005, Rickitt was approved as a prospective parliamentary candidate for the Conservative Party.[8] He was asked into politics as a way of getting young people engaged in voting and admitted that he had no real intentions of progressing far.[2] In February 2006, he appeared on the political debate show Question Time[9] as the non-partisan guest.[10] In May 2006, he was one of 100 would-be MPs chosen for the Conservative party A-list.[11] The following month, he appeared on Sunday AM with Andrew Marr.[12] He attended national and local Conservative party functions in the hope of being selected as a candidate.[1]

Alongside David Cameron, he also provoked the anger of Sir Nicholas Winterton when it was revealed that Rickitt was being tipped to stand for the safe Conservative seat of Macclesfield, which the outraged Winterton had represented for over thirty years. Winterton responded that he had no intention of standing down from this seat: "I wish Adam luck, but there are no vacancies here."[13][14][15] Rickitt was unsuccessful in progressing his political career.[16] According to his website, in July 2007, he decided to continue his acting career in New Zealand rather than seek selection as a candidate.[17]

In March 2006, he took part in the Channel 4 reality series The Games. He took part as a replacement, after the scheduled contestant, Goldie, had to pull out, following an accident. Rickitt himself sustained two black eyes after over-rotating off the diving board.[18] In December 2006, Rickitt appeared in his first pantomime, Cinderella, in the role of Prince Charming at the Norwich Theatre Royal.[19]

Rickitt joined the cast of the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street in early 2007, portraying the role of Kieran Mitchell, with his first appearance being shown on 16 March 2007. Rickitt was given the opportunity to have creative freedom with the character since his storylines had not been fully formed.[20] The character was written out of the series in 2010, with Rickitt's final episode broadcast on 2 August 2010. His death episode saw high ratings for the soap.[21] He had said that he preferred his role on Shortland Street to working on Coronation Street.[22]

He returned to the political scene in October 2010 as a guest reporter for the ITV breakfast television programme Daybreak covering the Conservative Party Conference from Birmingham, and hosted a conference gay party.[23] However, in 2014, Rickitt agreed with a comment that the world would be a better place without the conservative party.[24]

2014–present: Doctors and Hollyoaks

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In 2014, he became part of the supergroup 5th Story, who took part in the second series of The Big Reunion, alongside Kenzie from Blazin' Squad, Dane Bowers from Another Level, Kavana and Gareth Gates.[25] Rickitt returned to the United Kingdom to continue his acting career, and in 2016, he made a guest appearance in an episode of the BBC medical soap opera Doctors.[26]

He was then cast in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks as regular character Kyle Kelly. He left the soap in June 2020 when his character took his own life.[27] In June 2023, it was announced that Rickitt would be returning to Doctors.[28] His episode aired in December 2023, where he portrayed Michael Harvey.[29]

Personal life

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In 1999, at a performance at The Prince's Trust Party in the Park, a member of the audience sprayed gas onto the stage when Rickitt was performing. Rickitt fainted after inhaling the substance and was taken to hospital.[13] He has an autoimmune disorder called ankylosing spondylitis, which made Rickitt infertile, with a sperm count of two.[30] The disease causes the spine's vertebrae to fuse together if they remain still for too long, so Rickitt exercises for two hours daily.[2]

Rickitt married Good Morning Britain presenter Katy Fawcett in 2014.[31] In 2019, the couple took over an artisan bottle shop called Dexter and Jones in the Cheshire town of Knutsford.[32][33]

Rickitt worked for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as a capital appeals manager.[34] He left in 2013 to begin working with the cancer charity Help Harry Help Others, and Chief Executive of the mental health foundation, the Caerus Partnership.[35]

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On 21 September 2007, Rickitt was arrested and charged with shoplifting a block of cheese, a bottle of HP sauce and a jar of coffee beans from an Auckland supermarket. During an interview with Herald on Sunday he claimed that it was an honest mistake[36] though later claimed that he was drunk at the time of the incident.[37]

In August 2020, Rickitt drove 600m whilst under the influence of alcohol to pick up a takeaway.[38]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
1997–1999, 2002–2004 Coronation Street Nick Tilsley Regular role
2001 Doctors James Neville Episode: "Sun God"
2005 Judge John Deed Roy Storidge Episode: "Popular Appeal"
2007–2010 Shortland Street Kieran Mitchell Regular role
2010 Whatever Happened to Pete Blaggit? Clive Film
2014 The Big Reunion Himself Contestant
2016 Doctors Logan Flynn Episode: "Dracula's Choice"
2017–2020 Hollyoaks Kyle Kelly Regular role
2020 Hollyoaks Later 2020 special
2023 Doctors Michael Harvey Guest role

Discography

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Rickitt performing in 2010

Studio albums

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List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
UK
[39] 		SCO
[40]
Good Times 41 68

Singles

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List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Year Single Peak chart positions Certifications Album
UK
[39] 		IRE
[41] 		SCO
[42]
1999 "I Breathe Again" 5 16 6 Good Times
"Everything My Heart Desires" 15 — 16
2000 "The Best Thing" 25 — 22
2010 "Tonight" — — — None Album Single
"—" denotes a title that did not chart, or was not released in that territory.

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref.
1998 National Television Awards Most Popular Newcomer Coronation Street Nominated [44]
1999 British Soap Awards Sexiest Male Coronation Street Nominated [45]
2000 BRIT Awards British Pop Newcomer Himself Nominated [46]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Soap star on Tory candidate list". The Guardian. 18 October 2005. Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "10 totally true FACTS about... Adam Rickitt". Inside Soap. 21 April 2020. Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023 – via Pressreader.
  3. ^ The Independent (Adam Rickitt - True Blue Hunk) Archived 9 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ "Health | Male eating disorders 'go untreated'". BBC News. 17 August 1999. Archived from the original on 29 December 2006. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  5. ^ Roach, Martin. The Virgin Book of British Hit Albums (ISBN 978-0-7535-1700-0) Virgin Books (2009)
  6. ^ "Adam Rickitt in the Musical Rent". Bucks Free Press. 18 May 2001. Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  7. ^ Webb, Paul (18 April 2003). "Adam Rickitt Chats About Fame, Fortune & New London Play, Office Games". Playbill. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  8. ^ The Scotsman
  9. ^ "Programmes | Question Time | This week's panel". BBC News. 1 February 2006. Archived from the original on 6 February 2006. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  10. ^ "Christine Bleakley's M&M story leaves bad taste with ex-Coronation Street star Adam Rickitt - News, Film & TV". Belfasttelegraph.co.uk. 18 October 2010. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  11. ^ Tory A-lister urges well-off to avoid burdening NHS[dead link] Times Online, 21 May 2006
  12. ^ "Programmes | The Andrew Marr Show | Guests on The Andrew Marr Show". BBC News. 4 November 2007. Archived from the original on 15 March 2009. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  13. ^ a b Hoggard, Liz (14 May 2006). "Adam Rickitt: True blue hunk - Profiles - People". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 9 November 2012. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  14. ^ Kite, Melissa (8 October 2006). "Tory grey list thwarts the A-list". London: Telegraph. Archived from the original on 13 May 2014. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  15. ^ "Oliver Marre: Pendennis". The Observer. London. 12 February 2011. Archived from the original on 28 June 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  16. ^ "Oliver Marre: Pendennis". The Observer. 12 February 2011. Archived from the original on 28 June 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  17. ^ Adam Rickitt Journal July 2007 Archived 28 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  18. ^ Fatter, older, slower ... Melbourne a distant second to Games for a laugh[dead link] Times Online, 25 March 2006
  19. ^ "Norfolk - Entertainment - Interview: Adam Rickitt". BBC. 20 January 2007. Archived from the original on 25 March 2008. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  20. ^ Loose Women. 3 August 2010. ITV1.
  21. ^ Robinson, Victoria (12 December 2010). "Shorty fans have their say". stuff.co.nz. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  22. ^ NZ Herald[dead link]
  23. ^ Geen, Jessica (30 September 2010). "Soap star Adam Rickitt to host Conservative gay party". PinkNews.co.uk. Archived from the original on 23 December 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  24. ^ Rickitt, Adam [@adamrickitt] (27 November 2014). "true...but then Gordon Brown would still be PM!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  25. ^ Wightman, Catriona (3 February 2014). "Big Reunion 5th Story Adam Rickitt felt 'guilty' over Kavana label row". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 4 November 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  26. ^ "Adam Rickitt". WGM Talent. Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  27. ^ Hughes, Jonathon (12 June 2020). "Hollyoaks' suicide storyline reminds us how soaps can inspire life-saving conversations". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 13 August 2020. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  28. ^ Rodger, James (30 June 2023). "Adam Rickitt 'really excited' after landing new soap role 20 years on from ITV Coronation Street". Birmingham Mail. Archived from the original on 30 June 2023. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  29. ^ Timblick, Simon. "Doctors spoilers: Adam Rickitt guest stars!". What to Watch. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  30. ^ Needham, Lucy. "Hollyoaks' Adam Rickitt says he's been left infertile by chronic spine condition". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  31. ^ "Adam Rickitt marries Good Morning Britain's Katy Fawcett: 'I am complete'". Hello! Magazine. 22 December 2014. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
  32. ^ "About Dexter and Jones". Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
  33. ^ "Celebrity couple take over craft beer and gin micro bar Dexter and Jones". Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
  34. ^ "How Adam Rickett Went From Corrie Heart-throb To Animal Helper - UK & World News - News". Mirror.co.uk. 19 June 2011. Archived from the original on 27 June 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  35. ^ Stacey, Alison (19 May 2014). "Former Coronation Street star Adam Rickitt reveals his battles with bulimia". Birmingham Mail. Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  36. ^ "Shortland Street star questioned by police over shoplifting - Television - NZ Herald News". Nzherald.co.nz. 23 September 2007. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  37. ^ Botting, Caroline (23 July 2010). "Adam Rickitt's sensational tell-all: my life exposed - New Idea Magazine - Yahoo! New Zealand Lifestyle". Nz.lifestyle.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 13 July 2012. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  38. ^ "Ex-Corrie star hit with drink-drive ban for 600m trip to pick up takeaway". 24 September 2020. Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
  39. ^ a b UK chart peaks:
  40. ^ Peak chart positions for featured albums on the Scottish Chart:
  41. ^ "The Irish Charts - All there is to know". Irish Charts. Archived from the original on 2 June 2009.
  42. ^ Peak chart positions for featured singles on the Scottish Chart:
  43. ^ "British single certifications – Adam Rickitt". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 3 February 2019. Select singles in the Format field. Type Adam Rickitt in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  44. ^ "Winners". National Television Awards. Archived from the original on 11 November 2020. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  45. ^ Harpin, Lee (16 May 1999). "Lee Harpin's Hot People column: Sexy Mel's Got Man A-Beale!; Soap Awards Special: She wins TV top totty title". The People. Archived from the original on 13 October 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  46. ^ "BRIT AWARDS - THE NOMINEES IN FULL". NME. 1 February 2000. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
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