In 1994, he was falsely accused of rape and spend three and a half months in custody. During his imprisonment, he was attacked by another prisoner with a makeshift knife, which severed an artery on his neck. He was acquitted over the claims in 1995.
In 2006 he was caught smoking crack cocaine. After a six month suspension from Coronation Street while his bosses investigated he was arrested for possession of a Class A Drug. He was given and accepted a caution. He returned to Coronation Street in 2007.
In addition to his abilities as a skilled actor, comedian and poet, he
also had a stint as a professional footballer for Wirral club
Tranmere Rovers.