It has been revealed that Coronation Street's Andy Whyment underwent life-saving surgery moments after his birth to fix a collapsed lung, and that without it, the actor might not be here today. Speaking to The Mirror while her son is in the I'm a Celebrity jungle, Andy's mum Jackie explained that the surgery left him with two star-shaped scars, and that their unique shape led her and Andy's dad, Fred, to believe that he was destined to be famous.
Jackie explained: "He had problems at birth and had to have two tubes put in his chest whilst on a ventilator. They left scars in the shape of two stars. Fred said he was going to be a star. We were advised to get a priest, but he fought. We knew then he was here for a purpose. He was in the special care unit for six weeks."
Andrew's parents knew he was destined for great things
Fred has also spoken about his son's natural showbiz persona, telling a Corrie fan page: "When he was at nursery and infants he stood out in school plays – you could hear him singing above everyone else."
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Andrew is a fan favourite in the I'm a Celebrity jungle
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Andy, born in Salford in 1981, is best known for playing Kirk Sutherland in Corrie, and has spoken openly about his illness. The doting dad previously explained: "They read me the last rites. They didn’t think I was going to live. If I’d been born ten years earlier I wouldn’t have stood a chance because they wouldn’t have had the medical equipment."
The 38-year-old actor has been impressing I'm a Celebrity viewers with his wit and perseverance, and is currently a favourite to win the show. The soap star's Instagram is full of sweet messages from fans, as is his Twitter. Many have left messages including: "Yes let's have Andy King of the Jungle," and: "He's the best. Comes across as such a nice, decent guy."