Ben Thompson can't believe his luck

Ben Thompson still can't believe how lucky is to be playing Ryan Connor in Coronation Street.

"Coronation Street has been such a big part of my upbringing," he explained during a break from filming.

"My mum has always watched it, and all the famous scenes that have gone on in the Rovers over the years, like fights with Ken Barlow and Mike Baldwin. I've stood there going: 'Oh my God! This is amazing."

But Ben admitted he was gutted to miss out on his favourite storyline on the soap - when Status Quo made a cameo appearance.

"When the whole Status Quo thing happened, I just thought that was absolutely amazing," he said. "Unfortunately I wasn't in the show then so I never got to meet them, but that was just incredible."

Later this month Ben will be involved in one of the most controversial storylines of the year as Ryan, 17, and his 15-year-old girlfriend Sian will decide whether or not to have sex.