Ta-ra to Coro Street

Adam Rickitt. Photo / Bradley Ambrose

Shortland Street star Adam Rickitt has turned down the opportunity to rejoin top UK soap Coronation Street.

The 31-year-old became a household name in Britain in 1997 after being cast as charmer Nick Tilsley, eldest son of Gail Platt.

Last month, Granada, which makes Coronation Street, announced the character would make a dramatic comeback, with a new actor in the role.

A spokeswoman for South Pacific Pictures, which makes Shortland Street, said Rickitt could not comment because he was "locked into a deal to talk about the situation".

But Herald on Sunday understands his UK agent was in discussions with Granada about a return but Rickitt chose not to.