SHAYNE Ward has admitted he’s eyeing up a role next to his favourite Anna Friel after leaving Coronation Street.

The 42-year-old actress currently plays the leading role in Marcella, a hit ITV drama which is going into its third series.

Since leaving Corrie, Shayne, 30, has finished his first feature film, Stairs, and is now planning his next move.

He told The Mirror: “I'd love to do anything that's got some kind of association with Anna Friel.

“I think she's unbelievable, and to work with her would be fantastic.”

His role in Stairs saw Shayne, who played Aidan Connor in Coronation Street, take on the part of a soldier.

Shayne explained: I” basically play a commando and go into civil conflicts. It's a psychological thriller, so after that's finished I'm more focused on drama.

“That's what I'm focused on and I'm knuckling down and going to castings.”

Shayne was honoured at last week’s Inside Soap Awards and was handed the Best Exit gong.

He won huge praise for his portrayal of the factory owner, who took his own life in a shocking storyline.

Speaking about Aidan’s suicide, Shayne said: Shayne said: “When you get given a storyline like this it is a decision that is not taken lightly, I have played it with as much honesty and truth as I could.

“I am very proud of what I have done in my three years on the show and on this storyline in particular.

“Aidan is an ‘everyman’ figure, he is someone men can identify with, which is important in telling this story.”