Coronation Street star Antony Cotton pays tribute to soap’s superfan Martyn Hett after he was killed in the Manchester bomb attack

CORONATION Street star Antony Cotton has paid tribute to soap superfan Martyn Hett after he tragically died in the Manchester bomb.

The actor, who plays factory worker Sean Tully, talked of his pride in his home town and the legacy left by the iconic internet star - who was known for his love for the soap character Deirdre Barlow.

11

Martyn was one of 22 people killed when evil suicide bomber Salman Abedi targeted concert-goers on May 22.

On today's Good Morning Britain, Sean spoke fondly of Martyn and said: "When you spend your spare time watching on TV and it's something you're a fan of, you become part of the extended family.

"He was part of our extended family."

Sean, who first starred on the ITV show in 2003, added: "It's very very real and heartbreaking."

11

The Manchester-born performer then went on to confirm the show will install a special tribute bench in its grounds.

He said: "I believe we are doing a bench for the victims of the attack, but I don't know where that will be."

Last month, we reported how show bosses had revealed their intentions for a memorial on Twitter.

They shared an image of a floral tributes and candles, left in memory of the people who tragically lost their lives in the attack.

11

most read in TV & SHOWBIZ

TAYING POWER

Taylor Swift's record breaking year on Spotify revealed as Brits fall short

BARRY'S BABE

Barry Keoghan moves on after Sabrina split & grows close to lookalike beauty

MEDIA ELITE

Nepo-baby stuns on Lord Of The Rings carpet - but who are her famous parents?

RUDE GIRL

Rihanna strips off to stockings and suspenders for racy new underwear advert

Shortly after the horror, Martyn's devastated partner said he feels "robbed of his future" in a heartbreaking but hilarious tribute.

Russell Hayward spoke to hundreds of well-wishers, including Coronation Street stars, at a vigil to Martyn held in his hometown Stockport.

11

11

11

11

11

11

Tributes to the "iconic" PR manager have poured out since it was revealed he was one the 22 victims killed in last month's terror attack.

In a speech to crowds at Heaton Park tonight, Russell said: "When I first met Martyn it was on the Stockport viaduct. I'd been travelling on a coach for almost 11 hours.

"As soon as I saw him mince around the corner in a hideous shirt and throw his arms around me I felt such warmth and love. I fell in love with him instantly.

"Everyone knew we can as a pair. He was the extrovert to my introvert. The Deirdre to my Ken.

"He gave me the most wonderful drunk years of my life.

"I can't recall the amount of times I'd wake up to him screeching and shoving a camera in my face.

11

11

"But I was happy to let those things go because he gave me such joy and laughter.

"He could turn a 10 minute trip to the charity shop into the most fun 10 minutes of my life."

Martyn - who had a Deirdre Barlow tattoo - was hailed as "living with passion and courage" by pals this week.

The 29-year-old, who had previously appeared on Come Dine With Me, was due to fly to America on the "trip of a lifetime" on Wednesday.

Russell said: "Not only did we all find him funny but he found himself hilarious too.

"Martyn taught me many things over the years, too many to mention.

"Never say no to the things you want to do, be fearless and be the person you're meant to be.

"The pain I felt when I found out the news this week completely tore my heart out, but I will not let that pain tear away any of our precious memories we've shared.

"I feel robbed of my future but I feel so grateful for my past."

Martyn also led a high-profile social media appeal to help his mum sell items on her stall at a craft fair.

Stars including Michelle McManus also shared their memories of the hugely popular young man.

Nick Grimshaw, who was born in Oldham, paid tribute to Martyn, saying: “Really very sad to hear that Martyn Hett was one of the victims of the attack in Manchester. We were only talking about how funny he is the other day in the studio.

“From his mum stories, Corrie love, the Audrey Roberts Noise and his Deirdre Barlow tattoo, he made he laugh every day with his hilariously witty tweets. What a character."