BOLTON actor Andy Whyment lost the Soapstar Superstar crown to teenage heart-throb Richard Fleeshman in a Coronation Street derby final.

Andy, who plays dopey Kirk Sutherland, was beaten into second place in the live final of the ITV song contest on Saturday by the 16-year-old singing sensation.

Despite belting out a brilliant performance of Power of Love by Huey Lewis and the News, the Bolton-born actor failed to secure enough votes to beat the favourite, Richard.

The 16-year-old, who plays teenager Craig Harris, gave a show-stopping performance of Bryan Adams rock anthem Summer of 69 and scooped the viewer's vote.

Andy, aged 23, from Bradshaw, went head to head with Richard and Emmerdales Lucy Pargeter, who plays Chastity Dingle.

The mother-of-one was the first to be voted off, leaving the Corrie stars to battle it out. The two actors had to perform four songs each in front of the panel of judges but the decision was left to the viewers who had to phone in and vote on the winner.

The winner was announced at 9.30pm. Afterwards, Andy said: "There's no disappointment. I've had a great time. This guy deserves it."

The actor already has one album under his belt, recorded five years ago with his band, Notion.

Bolton actress Sammy Winward, who plays Katie Sugden in Emmerdale, was voted off after the first show.