I WENT FROM EASY STREET TO SKID ROW

CORRIE star Nick Cochrane will be back in the Street next month . . . knowing just what it's like to be almost OUT on the street.

Because the actor who played Steve McDonald's twin Andy for nine years has been made BANKRUPT and LOST his home.

And he won't get a PENNY of the wages he'll earn as Andy returns to Corrie for Steve's wedding.

"It's been horrible," said married dad-of-two Nick, 35, who quit his role in 1997 to launch his own soaps magazine which crashed in the credit crunch.

Shame

"Bankruptcy brings shame to anybody who goes through it - and it's even worse if you're in the public eye.

ON HIS UPPERS: Nick with wife Denise

"Last time I was on Corrie I was getting £150,000 a year and living the high life. Now what I earn will all go to people I owe money to."

In an emotional interview, Nick revealed how his glittering world collapsed around him, his loyal wife Denise and children Sam, nine, and Lucia, five.

And he told how he was forced to turn his back on the star lifestyle he once took for granted. He said: "Before my money problems I lived in a £700,000 five-bedroom house with a games room, and top dollar fixtures and fittings. We had holidays at Disney and Barbados. Everything was great. I bought Denise jewellery and designer dresses, I wore designer clothes myself - right down to my underpants. I was living the dream."

But when debts mounted at Into Soap, the struggling mag he had launched with £100,000 of his own money, the sweet life turned sour.

LOST: Nick's family home

To make ends meet Nick and Denise sold the home they loved in Worsley, Manchester, and moved to a smaller place. Then more disaster struck when the family were victims of a chilling burglary while Nick was out working in a bar. "Three burglars in hoodies smashed through the patio doors," said Nick. "Denise hid the children and confronted them. They dragged her around every room to find what they wanted. My mother-in-law was staying with us and one of them hit her in the face.

"She fell into a mirror and needed 34 stitches. It was horrific - and £15,000 worth of Denise's jewellery as well as other expensive things were stolen."

Mess

By now, Nick's magazine was heading even further into trouble. Again, he had to sell their home and they had no option but to move in with Denise's mum until they found a place to rent.

HAPPY: With TV family

Nick said: "I thought I was keeping my head above water after that but then I went to Tesco and couldn't use my card." It was an omen. "In April I was made bankrupt with debts of £300,000. Now I just have to dig my way out of this mess." He was helped by a call from his old bosses at Granada asking him to return for the wedding of twin Steve to barmaid Becky. Nick was thrilled - even though his pay went to the official receiver.

"It was like going home. I had a great time working with Simon Gregson (Steve), Charlie Lawson (Jim) and Bev Callard (Liz). They were my TV family for a long time. Nobody mentioned the bankruptcy. I am sure that was out of kindness." Bev in particular would have understood after having to give up her pub business last year or go broke.

Nick added: "Now I'd love to return full time, not because of the fame, but because it is a great place to work . . . and the money isn't bad!

"I feel foolish for getting into debt, but I plan to work hard and turn it around.

"I don't know if that will be through acting or another job but I am determined to do it somehow."

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