Kevin Kennedy wants to help Michael Le Vell overcome his issues.
The former 'Coronation Street' actor - who is a recovering alcoholic - has reached out to his friend and former co-star following his admission during his recent trial for child sex abuse charges that he also has a drink problem.
A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "Kevin is aware of Michael's problem and has offered to help him tackle it.
"Michael knows he is an alcoholic but thinks he can control it. Kevin has done wonders to sort himself out and now he is keen to show Michael the way to deal with it."
However, Kevin, 52, has insisted his friend - who was cleared of the charges and has been given six months off the soap to get over his ordeal - needs to want to be helped.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "He has been through hell and it should never have reached the situation it did.
"Like everyone else I read the comments about his drinking.
"It's not for me to say if Michael needs to go and get help. His recovery, should he want one, is up to him."
The father-of-three - who is launching his own counselling service, Discover Recovery, with wife Clare - has previously helped Denise Welch quit alcohol and says other stars have also privately asked for his help.
He said: "Lots of people have asked me privately as it is well known I have had problems.
"I am very happy to point them in the right direction."
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