CORRIE KEN’S A23 £45-A-POP IDOL
Star gets paid for online hugs
★
THE Simpsons has been voted the nation’s favourite TV family.
The long-running series, created by Matt Groening in 1989, has aired nearly 700 episodes and was loved by more than a third of those polled (34%).
In second place came
■
■ the Trotters from Only Fools And Horses with 28% of the vote.
The Royle Family was joint third with The Addams Family and The Flintstones (22%). ★
The Griffins from Family Guy (20%) came sixth, and Mick, Pam and Gavin Shipman from BBC’S Gavin and Stacey came seventh (18%).
★
The poll by Freeview also found that 45% of families agreed television had helped them feel connected to the rest of the world throughout lockdown.
CORONATION Street legend Bill Roache is flogging virtual hugs to fans online at £45 a pop.
The veteran actor, who plays Ken Barlow, has signed up to the video messaging site Celebs VM to earn extra cash.
During the short clips, Bill wishes fans a happy birthday, congratulates them on a special achievement or occasion – or simply records a unique greeting.
The 88-year-old star signed up to the popular site after revealing he had a lot of spare time on his hands due to him not being allowed back to filming yet under the soap’s new coronavirus guidelines.
The website reads: “Great way for fans and celebrities to connect in a unique and fun way.
Joined
“Great as gifts for birthdays, Christmas, weddings, personal connections and much more. You can watch, download, share and keep your video forever.
“Most videos are done within 1-2 weeks” Other Corrie stars who have joined Celebs VM are Simon Gregson (Steve Mcdonald), Chris Gascoyne (Ken’s son Peter) and Sue Cleaver (Eileen Grimshaw).
The soap resumed filming a 10-week break.
Bill, who has spent lockdown at home in Cheshire, said: “Senior members of the cast will not be called back for some time, sadly.”
And he added: “I’d like to get back.” last month after