Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd has emerged as a surprise potential participant on the upcoming new series of Celebrity Big Brother.

The 37-year-old actor took on the role of David Platt as a 12-year-old in April 2000 and is about to celebrate an impressive 25 years on the soap.

One of his best friends in real life is co-star Colson Smith, who appeared on CBB last year and encouraged him to take part this year, according to The Sun.

A source said: "The two lads are great mates, and Colson no doubt told Jack he'd have the time of his life on the show.

"Jack will be making the most of a gap in appearing on Corrie, which comes as he's about to be at the centre of a huge storyline on the ITV soap.

"His character David will be seen getting left for dead after being hit by a car on the cobbles - but it will transpire it's actually a bizarre attempt to end his own life."

Although yet to be confirmed by ITV, the new series of Celebrity Big Brother is expected to begin on Monday, April 14, meaning that Shepherd would be absent on screen in Corrie for several weeks in early summer.