Ciaran McCarthy

Ciaran McCarthy
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Keith Duffy
Duration	2002–2005, 2010–2011
First appearance	Episode 5316 7 August 2002
Last appearance	Episode 7745 25 November 2011
Introduced by	Kieran Roberts (2002) Kim Crowther (2010)
Classification	Former; regular
Profile
Occupation	Chef Barman (until 2011)

Ciaran McCarthy is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera, Coronation Street, portrayed by Keith Duffy. He made his first on-screen appearance on 7 August 2002, before departing in 2005. He returned in 2010 until Duffy temporary departed in January 2011 to go on Boyzone Tour, and returned on 3 November 2011. Duffy departed the role again on 25 November 2011 due to family commitments although he stated his intention to eventually return as Ciaran. In his duration on the show the character has been at the centre of several romances including relationships with Sunita Alahan, Tracy Barlow and Michelle Connor. Ciaran has been characterised as a ladies' man and a charmer. The character is also known for his "sex symbol" status. Duffy has received nominations at various soap award ceremonies for his portrayal of Ciaran.

Ciaran first arrived as the "drinking pal" of Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne). Duffy was initially employed for a three-week stint. Duffy was later given a year-long contract with Duffy saying it would be "great" to return and described his initial stint as being "the most fantastic time". Duffy later signed another year-long contract reportedly worth £80,000. Duffy was promised "dramatic storylines" which included an affair with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford). In 2005 Duffy announced his plans to leave stating it was because he wanted to spend more time with his family. The character's exit was a mutual decision between Duffy and the shows producers. Producer Tony Wood felt that Duffy had been an "asset" to the show but explained that after discussions about the character's future with the serial it was decided that "Ciaran McCarthy has run his course in the show". Duffy later said his decision was partly because his "personal life lay in tatters" although he added that professionally the serial "gave me some of the best years of my life". In 2008 Duffy expressed his desire to return saying he would "love to go back" even if only for "a few months". Duffy later added that he expected a return considering the character was never killed off and it was left open for a potential return. In 2009 Duffy commented that he had "loved" his time at the serial and would consider a return. He praised producers for choosing actors who had not been through stage school like himself saying it worked well because its "good to show real emotion from real-life experiences".

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Wikipedia