Ken Morley claims he narrowly escaped death after contracting coronavirus one year ago.
The 77-year-old actor - who is best known for playing Reg Holdsworth in \'Coronation Street\' - thinks he contracted an early strain of the virus, which left him in hospital for three days.
Ken - who fell ill around Christmas 2018 - told Daily Star Sunday newspaper: "I had suffered severe flu several times before in my life, but nothing to compare to that virus. What I went through was entirely different to anything I had ever had before."
Ken initially thought he was suffering with the flu - but on reflection, he\'s convinced he contracted coronavirus.
The veteran actor explained: "The run-in with what I thought was the flu, but am now convinced was a precursor to coronavirus, was looking like the final nail in the coffin - I can honestly say I\'ve never felt as close to the final curtain as when I collapsed after being helped off stage.
"I had never been that seriously ill ever before and was taken by ambulance to the hospital in York, where I was literally in a daze for three days."
In recent weeks, a number of celebrities have tested positive for coronavirus, including actor Idris Elba.
The London-born star said on Twitter earlier in March: "This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I\'m doing ... No panic. (sic)"
