Coronation Street star Calum Lill has announced he is engaged to his long-term girlfriend as he admitted it was ‘about time’ he popped the question. The actor took to social media on Sunday (June 16) after asking Roberta Mcclarron to marry him while enjoying a countryside break.
Viewers of the ITV soap know that Calum joined the soap last year as Joel Deering, the new love interest of Dee-Dee Bailey and fellow solicitor. But in recent weeks, Joel’s darker side has been uncovered as it was revealed he was behind the disappearance – and assumed murder – of teenager Lauren Bolton.
After the shock reveal, Joel found himself proposing to Dee-Dee, played by Channique Sterling-Brown. And weeks after his on-screen character’s engagement, Calum was celebrating his own with Roberta.
Taking to Instagram, 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.”
But swimwear aside, Calum’s Corrie co-stars were quick to respond with their messages for the happy couple. Channique told her on-screen fiance: “Congratulations you gorgeous pair.” Jodie Prenger said: “Awwww congrats kidda! How fabulous.” Tanisha Gorey replied: “YAYYYY!!!!!! Huge congratulations.”
Julie Goulding shared: “Congratulations you two! Wonderful news.” Liam McCheyne commented: “Congratulations to you both.” Cait Fitton echoed: “Congratulations to both of you.” Lucy Fallon posted: “Congratulations guys!!!!!” Emrhys Cooper added: “Yay! Congrats buddy. So happy for you both.”
Calum previously told how he moved to Manchester with Roberta and worked alongside acting to save for a house, describing the experience as “tough, before landing his dream Corrie role.. He told the Manchester Evening News: “Then it came along and I’ve never felt anything like it. I was walking on air. I felt incredible – especially being a working class northern lad. To know I’ve got a part in an institution like Coronation Street, it’s the most incredible thing.”
Speaking of Roberta’s reaction to him getting the part, Lill said: “It wasn’t just happiness for me getting the job, she knew what I was going through and that I was struggling. I wasn’t happy in the job that I was doing. She knew that I was putting on a brave face, but how down I was. It was a relief that 14 or 15 years had paid off and I wouldn’t have to quit. There’s no shame in quitting. So many people have to. It’s one of the hardest industries to get into. But to know I didn’t have to was incredible.”
