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Gay soap star takes the crown |
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Further proof that mainstream audiences aren't fazed by the gays, came on Saturday night when Corrie star, Antony Cotton won ITV1's Soapstar Superstar.
The 31-year-old, who plays Sean Tully in the ITV1 soap, was one of 11 stars from various TV soaps who took part in the contest. Cotton has won over audiences with his camp and cuddly character, who happens to be the only male machinist in Coronation Street's knicker factory and is the first gay man to work the pumps of the Rover's Return.
On winning the title, Cotton said: "I was convinced it was Hayley. I'm absolutely gobsmacked."
His prize was a £200,000 donation to the Elton John Aids Foundation. Cotton sang a version of Tears for Fears' Mad World, gave a rendition of Boyzone's Love Me For A Reason, and ended the contest with Elton John's Daniel.
There's no doubt that Hayley Tamaddon, who has played Delilah Dingle in Emmerdale since 2005, was the better singer, but it seems the audiences were won over by Cotton's charm.
Viewers love a transformative journey and Cotton started the contest quite shaky, gaining confidence over the weeks. There are rumours that Cotton's popularity has prompted ITV bosses to create a new vehicle for the gay star, possibly a chat show. Cotton first sprang to fame playing Alexander in Channel 4's Queer As Folk. Source: uk.gay.com |
