This week, the Coronation Street cast gathered for a very special occasion. Though the filming carried on as usual, behind the scenes, there was plenty of laughter, cake, and cheeky banter for one long-time cast member’s big day. And thanks to a playful co-star, it’s a celebration fans won’t forget in a hurry.
Antony’s Birthday on the Cobbles
Antony Cotton, who’s played Sean Tully for more than 20 years, turned 50 on Tuesday. And he spent the milestone right where it all began for him 23 years ago, on the Coronation Street set. Even though it was a work day, Antony’s Corrie family made sure he felt the love. He thanked everyone for “thousands of messages and posts” and said he’d had “a really lovely day in the Rovers.”
He also shared a heartfelt note, saying that life can be hard and the world feels like it’s going mad, but he feels lucky to have his “family tribe, Corrie tribe and military tribe” by his side. And there was no rest for him, the very next day he was heading to Harrogate to be an inspecting officer at the Army Foundation College, something he calls one of the highlights of his year.
Coronation Street: Tony’s Cheeky Touch
Tony Maudsley, who plays George Shuttleworth, made sure nobody forgot Antony’s big number. When Antony arrived at his dressing room, he found the door covered in 50mph speed limit-style signs. Antony later laughed that Tony “adores” him “unconditionally,” even if the prank told a different story.
Tony also shared a group selfie from the green room, with Antony in the middle and surrounded by Tina O’Brien, Samia Longchambon, Channique Sterling-Brown, Peter Gunn, and Jodie Prenger. In the caption, he announced they were celebrating Antony hitting “the ripe old age of FIFTY!” and joked that he wasn’t hogging the spotlight, he just had the longest arms to fit everyone in.
Fans React in Surprise
If Tony wanted to get people talking, it worked. Many fans couldn’t believe Antony had reached 50. The official Coronation Street Instagram posted the selfie with the caption: “Bunch of icons right there! Happy 50th @antonycotton.”
One fan wished him “a wonderful day celebrating,” while another said, “Can’t believe you are 50, enjoy!” Someone else added, “Being 50 isn’t bad honestly,” and another commented on how much fun he looked to be having with his Corrie friends. It was a celebration full of love, laughs, and a little mischief. And with fans still talking about it, Antony’s big day is sure to be remembered for a long time. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the latest Coronation Street gossip.