My Top THREE

alan shares his Coronation street highlights…

My grand DEBUTS

Alan had been working as an actor since he was 11 when he was offered the role of Tyrone. The 16-year-old had attended drama classes run by David Johnson – who also taught Anna Friel and suranne Jones.

But it wasn’t Alan’s first time on the cobbles as he’d previously been an extra.

‘When some of the locals bought a racehorse, Jack and Vera walked out of the Rovers and I walked past in the background.’

My Friends For life

‘I work with some of my closest friends,’ says Alan. ‘Andy Whyment [Kirk] is like a brother to me, samia Longchambon [Maria] is like a sister, Jennie Mcalpine [Fiz] is one of best mates, and Bill Tarmey and Liz Dawn [Jack and Vera] were like surrogate parents.

‘When Bill left the show, the cast and crew got him a watch, and when he passed away, his wife Alma gave it to me. I don’t wear if very often, but when I do, it means a lot.’

My shock win!

Alan was awarded the National Television Award for Best serial Drama performance in 2013, for the domestic-violence story involving Tyrone and Kirsty.

‘The boss said to me, “Have you prepared a speech?” and I said, “No chance, there’s no way I’ll win!”’ Alan tells us. ‘When they

called out my name, I was gobsmacked!’