Antony Cotton has exchanged rings with his partner

[Source]

Coronation Street star Antony Cotton 'weds' lover

By Brian Roberts | 8 Mar 2010

Corrie favourite Antony Cotton has exchanged rings with his gay partner in a DIY "marriage".


And to celebrate their relationship Antony and Peter Eccleston - a nephew of former Dr Who Christopher Eccleston - have splashed out on a luxury home overlooking farmland on the edge of Rochdale.

Friends say they are "totally in love with each other" - as well as their new home which they are busy renovating.

A source close to the actor said : "He and Peter are so much in love. They have exchanged rings to show they are as good as a married couple, although they haven't had a civil ceremony."

Antony, 34, who plays gay Sean Tully in the Street, ended his relationship with former partner Damian Gray to set up with Peter, 31, nearly five years ago. The pair met on the set of the ITV soap where Peter was an assistant props buyer. The friend added: "Antony never wanted to hurt anyone but he realised he loved Peter." Antony has gone from strength to strength since joining Corrie as its first gay character, advising bosses on gay storylines.

And he recently told the Lesbian and Gay Foundation said: "What's so nice about playing Sean, is that he makes no apologies for who he is. Here is a gay character living his life. This is refreshing and new."