Santa C laus is coming to town!

But first, let’s meet her handsome helpers…

No Christmas funfair is complete without a visit to Santa’s Grotto – but

Inside Soap’s version has a very glamorous twist to it! Before we introduce you to our sizzling soap star in red, there is plenty of mischief to be had courtesy of our dashing elves – Corrie’s Ryan Prescott and James Burrows, aka bickering brothers Ryan and Ali…

Your characters have each had a turn of being naughty and nice. So what are you both like in real life?

James Are you asking me if I’m naughty? I suppose I am a bit naughty! Nah, I’m quite well-behaved. Ryan’s all right as well, although we like to let our hair down.

Ryan We’re as hopeless as each other!

Ryan, you auditioned for the role of Ali. Is that when you met James?

Ryan Funnily enough, he was in the foyer after my screen test. When I came back months later to play Ryan and we met properly, I was like, “So, you were the guy”!

When you were both little, did you ever go to meet Father Christmas?

James Yeah, at Derby Eagle Centre Market! I think I always had quite a big list to the point where the elves were like, “Get out, your time is up – next kid please”! I still want everything even now, but you can’t have it all!

Ryan I’d always be really enthusiastic about going to see Santa, but as soon as I got there, it would just terrify me.

I remember once seeing these life-size Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles, freaking out and running away!

What do you want for Christmas?

James I’d love a jet ski. When I was in Dubai recently, we did all sorts of water sports and I loved it.

Ryan I just want to be well again!

Oh no! What’s wrong?

Ryan I fractured a rib! I’ve seen a couple of doctors to get it looked at, but it’s just one of those things that takes a long time to heal.

Perhaps you should see that doctor? [We point to James, aka Dr Ali]

Ryan No, I’m not sure I trust him!

The boys embrace the Christmas spirit larking about as our elves, but they are soon on their best behaviour after the arrival of our secret Santa – aka their on-screen mum, Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle!

Welcome, Kym! Tell us, who is your favourite – James or Ryan?

James Me, obviously!

Ryan Oh no, definitely me! We like to encourage a realistic dynamic.

Kym I love them both equally – you can’t love one of your children more than the other! They’re like chalk and cheese, these two. Ryan is a very chilled individual and a bit of a joker. James is much more serious, but in a good way.

James I guess you could say

I’m a little bit antisocial at work as I just go off and find a quiet room and chill out. But after work I’m a different person!

Does Kym keep you both in line?

Kym I’m very much a Mummy-type character to them – probably much to their dismay at times! James calls me “Mother” and Ryan calls me “Mama” – even when they see me in the make-up room, it’s never “Kym”. I enjoy it.

Ryan Kym keeps everyone in line, period – she’s the Don Marsh! Kym has a very maternal side to her personality that bleeds out to everyone around her, not just me and James.

What will you be doing for Christmas, Kym?

Kym I am at home and have all three of my kids with me this year, including my daughter – with her big bump!

Of course, congratulations on Emilie’s pregnancy! Kym

Thank you! While I realised that I’m going to be a grandmother, I’ve said, “Absolutely not, I’m not being called it”. We’re thinking about alternative names for me!

James We’ll call you grandmother – you’ll like that!

Kym They so will!

You have a little one on the way too, James. How are you feeling? James

I’m still trying to get my head around it! I’m excited, and I’m looking forward to getting my girlfriend back as well. She has struggled, bless her, with sickness and stuff, so I’m excited for her to get her life back.

Kym I keep telling James to sleep now, as he won’t get much when the baby is here!

James Kym was one of the first people that I told, as I couldn’t contain my excitement. I know Emilie really well too, so it’ll be nice as I think there is only a couple of weeks between our due dates. I’m sure we’ll all spend a lot of time together taking the kids out.

Finally, Kym – what do you reckon the boys should get Michelle for Christmas?

Kym A stress ball?

No, earplugs! Just let her chill out from the madness that is her life! What would she get them? Definitely not boxing gloves!