Derek Jacobi: Coronation Street isn't as rich as it was

Sir Derek Jacobi believes \'Coronation Street\' "lacks a texture" it had after ditching some of its elderly characters.

The 81-year-old actor - who once had a non-speaking cameo appearance on the cobbles while on a tour of the soap\'s set in 2012 - would love to return for a longer stint, but he thinks bosses only feature "token oldies" nowadays.

He told The Times newspaper: "When it started, \'Corrie\' was all about the older generation - lovely Annie Walker behind the bar, Elsie Tanner, all of them.

"There are only token oldies in it now. And it lacks a texture that it had.

"It\'s still good. I still watch it, but it\'s not as rich as it was, not as layered as it was, and it\'s very plot-driven whereas it used to be character-driven."

If Derek was cast in the soap he would be following in the footsteps of fellow veteran - and former \'Vicious\' co-star - Sir Ian McKellen, who portrayed conman \'author\' Mel in 10 episodes back in 2005.

\'Britain\'s Got Talent\' judge David Walliams previously admitted he would love to join \'Corrie\' for a short run.

He said: "If I did a soap it would have to be something similar to when Ian McKellen was in \'Corrie\'.

"For them to write a really funny character for a few weeks. Peter Kay was also in \'Corrie\'. I\'m a big fan."

David, 48, insisted he would never dismiss the soap world, as he heaped praise on the talented cast and crew involved in making the likes of \'Corrie\'.

He added: "Soaps are great if you are starting out, as it\'s an amazing training ground, or if you are later on in your career and guaranteed work for 10 years or so.

"I wouldn\'t turn my nose up. They have great actors, writers and directors."