Kym Marsh was quick to share her love for her friend and former Coronation Street co-star Antony Cotton as he enjoyed a very special day. The actor, who is known for playing Sean Tully in the ITV soap, took to Instagram with a snap of himself as he told fans: "So this happened today…"
The picture showed him suited and booted as he held up his MBE after being awarded the honour on Wednesday (June 14) at Windsor Castle. Antony couldn't have looked happier as he posed with his medal in the sunshine at the royal residence.
Antony was actually recognised last year in the now-late Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to British Army personnel and veterans. As well as his work on-screen, the 47-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).
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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.
Bury-born Antony, who has played the role of barman and Underworld machinist Sean in Corrie since 2003, said at the time of his honour being announced: "I am completely overwhelmed by this honour, especially as it has come during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Working with our amazing armed forces, in particular the Army, has truly been the greatest honour of my life.
"To have a soldier, of any age or rank, come to me and entrust me with their stories, their experiences and especially their worries, has been life changing. When I am asked why I spend my spare time helping with the welfare of our soldiers and veterans, the answer is a simple one – I feel it is my duty, and it has genuinely become my life’s work."
He added: "The British Army has made significant improvements in the way they approach mental health over the past decade, and I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in some of those changes, and also in the way the Army delivers their welfare programme.
"As with most things, there is still some way to go but I’m very proud of the work we’ve done so far. I share this award with every single person who has ever fought for our country – I am incredibly humbled and honoured to be in your company. Thank you for your service."
And a year on, Antony was finally able to get his hands on his MBE. Responding to his beaming post, Kym, who starred as Michelle Connor in the ITV soap for 13 years, commented: "Amazing love you." Fellow Corrie star Georgia Taylor said: "Huge congratulations love," while Max Turner star Paddy Bever wrote: "Amazing news!!"
His fans and followers were also rushing to share their congratulatory messages. @_vicky.baker_ said: ""Congratulations and you are sooooo smart in that suit." @camcow2001 replied: "Wow that is absolutely fabulous and amazing that is buddy." @kirstiemepham shared: "So well deserved well done."
@colep40 posted: "Congratulations young man, so well deserved." @fionagreenwood5 echoed: "Huge congratulations @antonycotton well deserved." @hedge_r62 added: "Wow wow wow congratulations Antony you are so well deserved of the award, you're looking good in the suit my dear, enjoy your medal."
Antony's partner Peter Eccleston also shared his pride saying: "Laughed & cried our way through a Wednesday in Windsor for Antony Cotton MBE," as he shared more pictures of the soap star while at Windsor Castle, including sweet images of Antony with his mum, Enid Dunn, who recently appeared in Corrie herself.
Enid, who is an NHS volunteer, previously appeared in Peter Kay's hit comedy Phoenix Nights. But she has also appeared not once but FOUR times before in the same soap as her son. She first appeared as Joan Lawson, the aunt of the deceased Dennis Stringer, at the latter's funeral in January 2002 before playing two other roles in 2006 and 2011.
Then, in 2014, she appeared in the long-running soap as bingo player Maureen Rothwell. Enid also appeared in the 2010 special drama The Road to Coronation Street as the immortal Agnes, the Granada Television tea lady who told Tony Warren that Florizel Street, the name of his new serial, sounded like a disinfectant leading to a change in the iconic show's name.
She has also appeared in City Central, Merseybeat, had several roles in Doctors, and a regular role in Cutting It as well as Phoenix Nights, the latter in the part of Joyce, one of the barmaids in Peter Kay's clubland comedy. But her most recent appearance in Corrie, back in April, saw her play the shocked neighbour of Stephen Reid's last victim, Rufus Donaghue.
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