When Joel Deering actor Calum Lill posted an update on Dee-Dee Bailey actress Channique Sterling-Brown on social media this past weekend, Coronation Street viewers reacted with briskness. Fans of soap operas will be aware that Joel, played by Calum, has been hiding his identity for several months now following his relationship with troubled adolescent Lauren Bolton.
He left her for dead before she ran away and hid from him, but what Joel didn’t know is that Lauren was also carrying his baby. When Lauren returned, Joel made plans to send her away so he could protect his relationship with Dee-Dee, but his web of lies began to unravel and Dee-Dee soon realised he was baby Frankie’s father.
While their on-screen relationship has been a deeply traumatic one, away from the cameras actors Calum and Channique are actually “best friends”. In a new post on Instagram, Calum shared a number of snaps of Channique from the Corrie set and said: “Appreciation post for Channique Sterling-Brown [applause emoji].
“Thank you for being my best mate at work and taking me under your wing since day one of me joining the show. I don’t know any actor who’s been as busy as you have for as long as you have and you still always smash it. Thanks for always finding the time to take the mick out of me and for sharing your desserts as I always forget to grab one. You’re amazing. Keep smashing it Queen”.
Channique replied: “Someone’s getting soft in their old age. Thanks for being my work bestie always”. Fans have also had their say in the comments section, as Natalie said: “Amazing, well done both. You should be really proud” and Raheem said: “Both great actors and you play such a good villain haha”.
Julie said: “Love it! So nice to see you’re such good friends really”. Zena said: “Brilliant acting from both and @calumlill has actually given me 2 very frightening nightmares! Can I get compo? [laughing emoji]”.
Coronation Street spoilers released last week have revealed Joel will visit Lauren in hospital in tonight’s episode and threaten her. He will also be seen at the Chariot Square Hotel by Carla later this week, and she will have no problem announcing to everybody there just what Joel has done.
