Nigel Havers says Sue Nicholls invented Lewis Archer's twin brother because she was upset about his 'Coronation Street' exit.

Nigel Havers

Nigel Havers

The 68-year-old actor - whose villainous cobbles character was killed off last year - revealed the Audrey Roberts actress was so disappointed that she came up with an idea to allow him to make a return one day as an all new alter ego.

Speaking to Lorraine Kelly on ITV's 'Good Morning Britain', he said: "Sue Nicholls, who plays Audrey, is a great friend of mine, and she's just the most wonderful person and most wonderful actress.

"She was genuinely upset when I keeled over [on the show]. And she said as I left, 'Listen, you do know you have a twin brother living in Australia, so brush up on your Australian accent.' "

Nigel admitted he loved to play the 'Corrie' baddie during his time on the ITV soap - which first began back in 2009 - and he even pointed out there was some depth to Lewis.

He added: "I know, he was such a good character to play. You know, years ago I did a character in a show called 'The Charmer'... and in a way I think they took that character and sort of modernised him and put him in the 21st century.

"So, it was an amazing character to play. And of course at the end, you do realise that I was in love with Audrey!"

Meanwhile, the soap star even tried out his accent on Lorraine after chatting about the potential twin character.

The 60-year-old presenter quipped: "That wasn't bad. It sort of started off in the East End of London, then it went to Sydney and then it came back again."

Watch 'Good Morning Britain with Lorraine Kelly' weekdays from 9am on ITV.