If you’ve seen some of the most dramatic scenes of Coronation Street over the years, such as the fires, crashes, and stunts, you’ve probably never seen his face. But behind the camera, someone made sure every explosive moment happened safely. Now, a beloved crew member has been honored in a touching tribute by one of the show’s stars.
Their Friendship Started on the Set Of Coronation Street
In 2013, when the Rovers Return caught fire for a major storyline, Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully, met a guy named Matthew Owens. Matt wasn’t part of the cast, but he played a big role in making that fire stunt safe. He worked as the fire safety advisor, and from that point on, he and Antony became good friends. Matt also worked on other major soaps like Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.
If there was a big, risky scene, Matt was likely behind the scenes ensuring everyone’s safety. His work on Corrie didn’t end with the Rovers fire. More recently, he contributed to the 2021 Halloween episodes. Fans will remember those episodes, where Abi Webster confronted Corey Brent, and Leanne Battersby was held hostage by Harvey. Those episodes ended in heartbreak, with both Johnny Connor and Natasha Blakeman dying.
Antony Opens Up About Losing a Dear Friend
After learning about Matt’s passing, Antony Cotton shared a tribute on Instagram. He posted a photo from Matt’s funeral and revealed that the day had been very hard, especially for Matt’s family. He expressed disbelief and described Matt as just “a really, really nice lad.”
Antony remembered their meeting during that stunt block on Corrie and noted that they had remained friends ever since. He referred to Matt as a beloved son, brother, dad, colleague, partner, and a great friend. The actor said he would miss hearing from him randomly, always with a smile. He concluded by saying Matt was now at peace and no longer had to worry.
From the Rovers Return fire to the Halloween rooftop showdown, Matt helped create some of the most memorable soap moments in recent years. While many fans may not have known his name until now, his legacy lives on in those scenes. He’ll be remembered for his influence behind Coronation Street. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more behind-the-scenes stories and tributes from the soap world.
