Corrie fan heads to the cobbles

A LIFELONG Corrie fan has interviewed one of its stars as part of Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week.

Grace Stockdale, 24, was invited onto the legendary cobbles of Coronation Street to meet actor Liam Bairstow.

Liam, 26, who plays Alex in the soap, has been cast as its first ever actor with Down’s Syndrome making his screen debut in September. And Grace, who also has Down’s Syndrome, got the chance to grill him about his experiences on the long-running show so far for BBC Radio 5 live. It was conducted during Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week, aimed at improving understanding of the condition which affects around 750 babies in the UK each year.

Grace, from Macclesfield, said she was thrilled at being able to meet the “very special young actor.”

She said: “I can’t believe I was able to meet him and interview him.”

Grace asked Liam how he felt about being a role-model for others.

He said: “I feel a great honour to be able speak up and it’s been amazing.”

Liam, whose dream role would be succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond, also encouraged others with the condition not be deterred from pursuing a career on the stage and screen.”