Drug users and recovering addicts have been urged to start a new life by the man who was Britain's most famous class A drugs abuser.

The torment at the hands of a heroin addiction suffered by Jimmy Corkhill was all for the television cameras but has given the man who played him a stark insight into the world of drug abuse.

The 'start again' message comes from former Brookside star Dean Sullivan, who played Jimmy in the Channel 4 soap for 18 years. He is in the city for two months to perform as Dandini in Cinderella at the Alhambra Theatre.

He revealed that Brookside producer Phil Redmond had planned to kill off his character to a drugs overdose after he had hit rock bottom with his heroin addiction, but after discussions with the Scouse actor, it was agreed Jimmy would fight the addiction.

Mr Sullivan said: "It made me feel extremely proud because Jimmy is still a great inspiration to those with drug problems today. I had countless letters and people stopping me in the street saying how they had successfully fought their addiction after seeing Jimmy as an inspiration to their own lives."

He admitted the festive season can often lead to depression for those currently using drugs or in recovery, but he believes the new year can offer renewed hope, too.

He said: "For people who are currently using, they can feel even more marginalised at this time of year and for people trying to become 'clean' there is the real temptation to slip back into old habits, but people need to try and be positive. It's a great time to start afresh."

Yvonne Oliver, director of the Ripple Project, which helps heroin and crack addicts in Bradford, said "You must never think there is no hope because nothing could be further from the truth. If you want to stop, the help will always be there."

Meanwhile, Mr Sullivan said he had been delighted with the warm welcome has received in Bradford.

He said: "I've been walking around the city centre and the place seems to be buzzing at the moment. I have met loads of great people, who have come up to me and wished me well. Everyone has been so friendly. You could say I have received a real Yorkshire welcome!"