Nigel Pivaro is best known for his TV bad boy character Terry Duckworth in Coronation Street. In 2006 he switched careers to become a freelance reporter, with a particular interest in terrorism and international affairs. His work is regularly published in the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror, Daily Star and the Catholic Herald newspapers. Here, he talks to us ahead of his appearance as Abanazar in Aladdin at Watersmeet.

What do you think about pantomime and is it still relevant today?

For me pantomime evokes feelings of nostalgia from my own childhood, it’s an established tradition which crosses the generations and is definitely still relevant today. It’s the story of good triumphing over evil and a morality tale is always going to be current.

Do you have any connections to Rickmansworth or Hertfordshire?

I’ve appeared in pantos in St Albans and Broxbourne.

Terry Duckworth has been part of Coronation Street since 1983. Do you think he would ever return to the street to redeem himself? How would you feel if Terry was killed off?

I did wrestle with the decision to leave Coronation Street, but over the years, I had been fortunate enough to really establish the part of Terry so when I left, I knew it was the right time and that Terry would be able to return with the right story line. I would love to explore returning and redeeming him, that would be very interesting, maybe he could be killed off and his last words are all about redemption! I don’t mind Terry being killed off so long as the story line is strong and it happens on screen. I’d hate to switch on the TV and find he’s dead!

What made you switch from acting to journalism?

I always had two passions; acting and current affairs. I kept up to speed with politics and signed up for a course in history at the University of Salford. It was quite an eye opener returning to studies! When I went to school we didn’t have computers and suddenly I was having to learn how to use one, but I soon realised I wanted to take my studies a lot further and in 2006, I gained a Masters degree in social science and economics.

What type of stories do you cover and did you find your soap star status a help or a hindrance?

I got my journalist grounding working for the Manchester Evening News, covering stories like garden fetes and council meetings. I can still remember my first headline, On Blue Watch, which was a story about a dog called Blue who woke his owners up when their house was going up in flames. I certainly found being recognised as Terry was a help in journalism. People thought they knew me so they were a lot more willing to open their doors, invite me in and tell me their story.

It’s quite an intense rehearsal period for panto and then it’s straight into two performances every day. Do you have any coping mechanisms and how would you spend your day off?

It’s like preparing for a marathon! You know the next month is going to be completely dedicated to pantomime. It’s hard work and the time goes incredibly fast and the audiences really help drive the show along and keep you going! Days off are a luxury where something as simple as a good meal, or dinner out with friends is the perfect way to spend the day!

Aladdin is granted three wishes. If you had one wish, and world peace, an end to hunger and disease was a given, what would you wish for?

A small farmhouse with land in either Spain, Italy or France and I’d grow my own fruit and veg, have some olive trees, maybe a few vines, the Mediterranean lifestyle definitely appeals.

Aladdin flies a magic carpet, if you had a magic carpet, where would you choose to fly to?

Either Burma or Thailand. I’ve not been to either country but I understand the people are lovely and the diving is excellent.

How do you normally spend Christmas Day?

It’s a lazy, family day with all the usual traditions; presents, turkey and TV.

Brussel sprouts – love them or leave them?

I’ll take a few but only if they’ve been cooked al dente and come with chestnuts or bacon!

What highlights have you had in 2014 and how is 2015 looking for you?

Travelling and reporting from the Ukraine has been a particular highlight. Meeting the people and seeing history actually unfold in front of your eyes is a privilege. I hope 2015 provides me with more opportunities for international reporting and witnessing events as they happen.

  • Nigel Pivaro stars as Abanazar in Aladdin at Watersmeet, High Street, Rickmansworth from Friday, December 5 to Wednesday, December 31. Details: 01923 711063, watersmeet.co.uk