Not many of us will forget the face of Brian Capron, aka Richard Hilman from Coronation Street.

Although he has appeared in numerous shows since leaving the ITV soap, he will always be best remembered as murderer Hillman, who killed Maxine Peacock with a crowbar.

However, Richard hopes that we can put our loathing to one side while he trips the light fantastic on this years series of Strictly Come Dancing.

“There are a lot of people who still think I’ve got a crowbar in my trousers,” Richard told the Manchester Evening News. “Naturally I think it’s an opportunity for people to see the real me.

“This seems to be the best reality programme because it’s a real challenge, a lot of fun and all my family and friends seem to love it.”

Richard has been paired with Karen Hardy, who won last year’s series dancing with Mark Ramprakash. Does that mean he is set for big things on this years dance extravaganza……watch this space!