It has nothing to do with architectural styles – the former church in Scarborough’s Old Town is a long way from Weatherfield’s terraces. No, it comes in the shape of wallpaper. A William Morris design first made in 1917 then revived by Sanderson.
A recognisable design in many an ’80s home, and also in the aspirational Ken Barlow’s terrace in ‘the Street’ – where it’s there for all to see on screen, even today. For Antony, who hails from Edenfield, it is a happy coincidence rather than a homage to ‘The Street’ that has been his workplace since 2003, starring as Sean Tully in the soap, as he told Yorkshire Life. Antony Cotton and partner Peter Eccleston in Church House, Scarborough.
(Image: Daniel Eland) On the days when he’s not filming for television, Antony - who went to Woodhey High School at Holcombe Brook - keeps himself busy in two ways. He’s heavily involved with armed forces charities and was appointed an MBE in the 2022 Birthday Honours for services to the British Army, personnel and veterans. He became involved through friends who had served in Afghanistan and struggled after leaving the services.
His advisory and campaigning work continues on a voluntary basis as a patron of military charities Help for Heroes and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), and Antony is a regular visitor to the Catterick base in North Yorkshire. His other passion is property, interiors and renovation , particularly the renovation of his .