Cleared Coronation Street actor Michael Le Vell has hired a lawyer to try to re-gain access to his children following his bitter split from their mum two years ago.
Michael, 48, who plays Kevin Webster in the soap, was acquitted of 12 child sex offences in September and has told friends he is desperate to see his young son and daughter again.
A friend told The Sun: "Michael knows he has a long way to go before he has any sort of involvement in their lives.
"He has a lot of bridges to build, especially after admitting in court how badly he treated their mum. Michael has not spoken to Janette since the divorce but misses his children terribly."
Michael, who plays garage boss Kevin Webster, has been advised to write a letter to the pair as an initial step.
He admitted in court that he had a string of one-night stands during his 25-year marriage and walked out on former actress Janette Beverley, 47, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The couple split for good in 2011. He also confessed he preferred to drinking eight pints a night in the pub rather than spend time at home.
The friend added: "He accepts he has not been the best dad and wants to make amends."