‘Absolutely devastated’ Antony Cotton pays tribute after friend dies

Coronation Street stalwart, Antony Cotton, who plays factory worker and barman, Sean Tully, has taken to Instagram after tragically losing his friend, paying tribute to his memory.

Sharing an image of the two of them together, his friend Callum proudly displayed his medals.

‘Hope you’re at peace now Callum, Antony began the caption.

‘We are all absolutely devastated. You were a great pal and a great soldier. We will miss you Callum – the blokes loved you. We all did. Rest easy mate. You were one of the very best.

‘I’m sorry we couldn’t save you’

Antony’s post was flooded with supportive comments, with @rachelfraser1409 saying: ‘This is so sad, RIP Callum. He was in Sandhurst in when my family was posted there too in 2020-2022. Thinking of his family and friends at this sad time’.

@beefeater_417 added: ‘This is sooooo sad. Love to all and his family. A mega bloke and a mega Drum Major’

@jamiemarshall2305 said: ‘This is heart breaking news! RIP Callum, a great solider and a great person, thinking of his family and friends at this sad time’ and @donna_annabel added: ‘So sorry for your loss, thinking of you and all Callum’s family and friends’

@dave1002019 contributed: ’30 year RAF veteran here it’s never easy losing a colleague and friend. My heartfelt condolences to you Anthony and this young mans family and friends at this sad time be strong per ardua and astra’ while @p_mmahon1 said: ‘God bless may Callum now rest peacefully. Sincere condolences to all those who knew and loved him, Callum will always remain with you, deep in your heart’

@kerry.mckenzie.3557 said: ‘Thank you for your service Callum. Sorry you felt there was no other way. Condolences to your family and friends, who will be beyond devastated,’ and @m4rrwill added: ‘What? No way only spoke to him Saturday was looking forward to a game of Golf and an exciting new adventure. Absolutely devastated’

Antony had previously spoken out in support veterans, having received an MBE for services to the armed forces.

When former paratrooper James Tattingham and his wife, Lucy, were hit with an enormous bill from Universal Credit following a payment from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, he told The Mirror: ‘This goes against our Armed Forces covenant that states no member or veteran, or their families, will be disadvantaged.

‘A government-backed scheme for something like Grenfell is completely protected forever. People can carry on claiming their UC or benefits and the money they receive in compensation has no effect on the benefits.

‘But the government-backed scheme for Armed Forces compensation is not ring-fenced. These veterans aren’t just people who have been injured at work. These are men and women who’ve gone to war for us, fought for their country.

‘They’ve come home with life-changing injuries – physical and mental health issues – that the Armed Forces Covenant promises to protect from any and all disadvantage. They’ve been failed by the very policy designed to protect them. I am appalled by it

Sasha Misra, who’s worked alongside Antony with Help for Heroes, added: ‘Veterans deserve to feel assured that if they experience injury or illness during service, they will not be punished for receiving compensation.

Coronation Street star Antony Cotton, best known to viewers as Sean Tully, has taken to social media in an emotional post following the tragic passing of a close friend, leaving fans deeply moved.

The actor, who has been part of the long-running soap for many years, shared a heartfelt message alongside a photo of himself and his friend during happier times. In the image, the pair can be seen smiling together, a moment that now carries a painful sense of nostalgia.

Antony began his caption with a simple but powerful message: “I still can’t believe you’re gone.”

He continued by describing his friend as someone who brought light and laughter into every room they entered. According to Antony, his friend was “loyal, kind-hearted, and always ready to help others no matter what he was going through himself.”

Fans quickly flooded the comments section with messages of support, many expressing shock and sadness at the news.

One follower wrote: “Absolutely heartbreaking. Sending love to Antony and everyone who knew him. Gone far too soon.”

Another added: “You never really know what someone is going through. Rest in peace, thinking of the family.”

Several commenters also shared their own memories of loss, turning the post into a space of collective grief and reflection.

Antony, who has often spoken publicly about mental health awareness and support for those struggling in silence, later reposted a message encouraging kindness and checking in on loved ones.

In a follow-up story, he wrote: “Be kind. Always. You just don’t know what someone is carrying.”

The actor’s emotional tribute comes at a time when he has been increasingly vocal about compassion and support networks, especially within the entertainment industry and armed forces communities.

As viewers know, Antony Cotton has long been admired not only for his role on Coronation Street but also for his advocacy work and charity involvement.

While the loss remains deeply personal, fans have praised him for speaking openly and turning grief into a message of awareness and empathy.

One comment summed it up simply: “Your words matter. Thank you for sharing him with us.”