Michael Le Vell has left the country to go on a 'detox' holiday.
The 'Coronation Street' star has jetted off to a sunny location where he can unwind ahead of his return to the soap next year, and he is looking forward to spending time relaxing by a pool to get in the "right frame of mind" after being cleared of the child sex charges against him earlier this year.
A friend said: "Michael wants to have a complete detox and get both his head and body in great shape for when he goes back to work.
"He can't wait to get started but he knows it will be no picnic. Even though the spring is back in his step he wants to get away from it all. He aims to relax by the pool, chill out a little and get himself in the right frame of mind."
During Michael's trial he admitted having a drink problem, but he has promised to stick to fruit juices rather than pints during his jaunt.
The friend added to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Michael is looking forward to getting a bit of a tan and relaxing - but he will also watch what he eats and drinks and is planning to do some jogging along the beach.
"It's just what the doctor ordered and when he comes back from the break he'll be raring to go. But he will have been away from 'Corrie' for almost a year, so being back will be a bit strange at first."
The 48-year-old star - who plays mechanic Kevin Webster on the show - is expected to be back on the 'Corrie' set in late January before making his on-screen comeback on the cobbles in March.
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