Coronation Street star Antony Cotton has been left 'absolutely devastated' following the death of a friend. The actor, who has played Sean Tully on the soap for more than 20 years, announced the sad news on social media that his pal Callum had passed away.
Writing on Instagram, Cotton said: 'I hope you’re at peace now Callum. We are all absolutely devastated. You were a great pal and a great soldier. We will miss you Callum - the blokes loved you. We all did. Rest easy mate. You were one of the very best. I’m sorry we couldn’t save you.'
The post was met with an outpouring of support from fans and friends. Callum's uncle commented: 'Hi Antony. I’m Callum’s uncle and godfather. Thank you for the kind words. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.' Other fans expressed their condolences, with one writing: 'Rest easy soldier very sad. Sorry for your loss and everyone who knew and loved him.'
Cotton, who also starred in Queer As Folk and I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!, was awarded an MBE in 2022 for his services to the British Army, personnel, and veterans. He has recently been vocal about the treatment of veterans, speaking out after hearing the story of former paratrooper James Tattingham and his wife Lucy, who faced a demand for thousands of pounds after their Universal Credit was stopped.
Cotton said: 'This goes against our Armed Forces covenant that states no member or veteran, or their families, will be disadvantaged. These veterans aren’t just people who have been injured at work. These are men and women who’ve gone to war for us, fought for their country. They’ve come home with life-changing injuries – physical and mental health issues – that the Armed Forces Covenant promises to protect from any and all disadvantage. They’ve been failed by the very policy designed to protect them. I am appalled by it.'
