CORRIE star Andrew Whyment has gone back into the recording studio with his band Notion.

The 20-year-old singer-cum-actor and his five-piece group have completed 10 new tracks.

But the band is without their former drummer, Paul Murphy, who left after a fall out with the rest of the group.

Andrew has been splitting his time between Coronation Street and his pop career and he is still eager to sign a record deal.

On September 28, the group will play at Manchester's Roadhouse.

It will be the last gig for guitarist Paul Boden who is going to study forensics at Bangor University in Wales.

Andrew said: "It's been a time of change for the band. Paul Boden's still keen to play with us but he has to pursue his career and we told him we couldn't stand in his way.

"We've agreed to let him back in the group if we sign a deal, though. We'll go to Bangor, bang on his window and tell him to pack up his stuff. I think the rock and roll lifestyle has a real appeal."

Paul Murphy has been replaced by John Williams. The new-look group will begin sending demos from their album to record labels early next week.

In the meantime, Andrew has resumed the role of Kirk in the Street, a character with his eye on scheming Fizz, played by Bury actress Jenny McAlpine.

The scenes have provided light relief, something which Andrew said was right up his street.

"My background is comedy, really, especially with the Royle Family," he said. "But the beauty about the Street is that it allows for serious scenes too."

Andrew played dodgy Darren in the hit BBC show Royle Family.

He added: "I've got a drama series still in the pipeline but in TV you never know what will happen. I'm more than happy in Coronation Street and I've just signed a three month contract.

"If I'm still here in a few years time, I'd be delighted."

Andrew, from Bradshaw, has become firm friends with the younger members of the cast.

He said: "It's become like any other job, really, but the atmosphere is special. We do go out together and get on well as a team.

"The Street's changed over the past few years. It's become a lot younger."

His band, which plays Oasis-style rock, has achieved modest success and even appeared before millions of TV viewers on This Morning with Richard Madelely and Judy Finnegan.

Andrew is the group's lead singer. Songwriter and lead guitarist Rob Connely and bass guitarist Paul Barber are also in the band.