Coronation Street star Antony Cotton has shared his “pride” after landing a brand new role away from the famous cobbled street.

The actor, who has played Sean Tully on the ITV soap since 2003, took to Instagram this week to reveal that he has joined the Royal British Legion.

“It is with huge pride that I have accepted the position to be President of the St James Royal British Legion,” he wrote.

“I look forward to both the changes we can make, and the challenges the role will bring. Working for our Armed Forces is my greatest honour.”

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Cotton’s on-screen son Liam Mccheyne responded to the post with a series of clapping hands emojis, whilst Strictly Come Dancing co-host Tess Daly also sent her “Congratulations”.

Cotton has been involved with the British military since 2008. He is an ambassador for military charity the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), and a patron of Help For Heroes.

In 2022, Cotton was awarded an MBE as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to British Army personnel and veterans.

antony cotton

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“I am completely overwhelmed by this honour, especially as it has come during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee,” he said at the time.

“Working with our amazing armed forces, in particular the Army, has truly been the greatest honour of my life. To have a soldier, of any age or rank, come to me and entrust me with their stories, their experiences and especially their worries, has been life changing.”