Coronation Street's Antony Cotton may not have expected to protect Nicole Scherzinger as he took part in a special event over the weekend. The actor, best known for playing Sean Tully in the ITV soap, was among the famous faces joining the Platinum Pageant on Sunday (June 5) to mark the Queen's jubilee.
The soap star joined former Pussycat Doll Nicole, This Morning's Holly Willoughby and BBC Radio 2 host and Nicole's former mentee Rylan Clark on an open-top bus for the 'Times of Our Lives' segment of the procession.
Antony, who has been celebrating being awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, hopped aboard the bus, soaking up the jubilant atmosphere in the capital as they travelled from Whitehall, before proceeding up The Mall and finishing outside Buckingham Palace.
The host of famous faces also included models Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, music stars Cliff Richard and Tony Hadley.
Taking to Instagram as the dust settled on what will have been a memorable weekend for the Corrie star, Antony shared some snaps taken of him on the bust as well as his own selfie with his husband Peter Eccleston, fellow Corrie star William Roache, and he shared a glimpse of himself having tea with Dame Joan Collins.
"What a day is was yesterday! Honestly, it was magical #jubilee," he captioned the post as Rylan soon commented: " The best," with a red heart. Antony's friend and former Corrie star Kym Marsh also left a comment, writing: " So proud of you."
He then returned to the social media platform with a video showing him being the perfect gent and holding on to the waist of former X Factor judge Nicole as she excitedly leant over the bus to wave to the thousands of well-wishers who lines the pageant route while also filming her own memories of the day.
"Me holding on to @nicolescherzinger, making sure the bus didn’t jolt forwards and topple her into the crowd below on The Mall!!!" Antony captioned the post before adding: "Looking after your lady @te11!!!" referring to Nicole's boyfriend, former rugby player Tom Evans.
And he had a lovely response, writing: "I love it mate! Thank you for taking care of her," before Nicola shared her own message, adding: "Thankyou!" with a kissing face emoji.
Fans were also soon sharing their praise for Antony. @debbie.marsden3762 said: "Such a gentleman." @top_cat_1999 echoed: "What a gentleman." @karensuchygirl commented: "Such a gentleman! Did make me chuckle!"
@mrsclaireb77 joked: "Are you adding that role to your CV?" @phil.sweeney.18 replied: "Rubbing shoulders now with A listers Mr Cotton MBE, love it." @stuart_hill added: "There is worse jobs I must admit."
Last week Antony shared an emotional tribute as he was made an MBE. The 46-year-old has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to British Army personnel and veterans. As well as his work on-screen, the 46-year-old has been involved with the military community since 2008 and was named as the first celebrity ambassador for military charity the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).
He is also a patron of Help For Heroes and was made the SSAFA’s 2022 ambassador for the defence inclusivity category. Antony's official association with the charities began following the return of a close friend from Afghanistan, who needed support.
