Coronation Street star Channique Sterling-Brown has jokingly tipped herself for a new job after having a role to play in her castmate’s engagement. The actress was able to help her on-screen love interest Calum Lill in popping the question to his long-term partner.

Just weeks after their characters Dee-Dee Bailey and Joel Deering agreed to tie the knot, despite Dee-Dee not knowing the truth about fellow solicitor Joel, actor Calum said it was “about time” he did some proposing himself in real life.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday (June 16), he shared a beaming selfie of the pair as Roberta flashed her engagement ring from her beau. “About time I made an honest woman of her,” Calum said.

But he was also seen rocking a black swimsuit, much to his wife-to-be’s amusement, as they celebrated their engagement news. Explaining more, Calum added: “Celebrated with drinks in the hot tub but Roberta thought it would be funny to remove my swimming shorts from the suitcase.”

Adding a message to his co-star Dolly-Rose Campbell, who is known for playing Gemma Winter-Brown on the cobbles, Calum said: “Thanks @dolly_rose_campbell for lending me your spare cossie. I think I rocked it tbf.”

Channique was also on hand to celebrate the news as the pals enjoyed time out in Belfast together. Sharing a picture of herself alongside Calum and Roberta as they posed in the sun outside the gorgeous Culloden Spa & Hotel, the soap star wrote on Instagram: “Congratulations on your engagement wonderful friends,” alongside a face holding back tears and a red love heart.

She also shared a secondary picture in which Roberta could be seen getting a pamper in a salon. It is then when Channique quipped: “MI5, if you’re hiring the undercover nail prep assignment went off without a hitch,” adding the eyes emoji, suggesting she was tasked with making sure Roberta was prepped for the surprise declaration of love.