20 years of Chesney

HE has been part of the show since he was nine and it's hard to imagine Coronation Street without him. But after 20 years on the cobbles, Sam Aston still fears his character could be axed.

- SUE CRAWFORD

The contracts of Corrie cast members come up for renewal every 12 months and Sam admits it's always a stressful time.

The actor, who plays Chesney Brown on the ITV soap, said: "I worry about it every year, 100%.

"I've had that thought more so as an adult because I have more responsibilities now.

"I have two children and I've got a mortgage.

"People say to me, 'You are part of the furniture, you'll be here forever, but I don't see it like that. I just take it one year at a time.

"I'm lucky to be here. I've never taken it for granted or rested on my laurels. No character is bigger than the show, so I'm always very grateful when I get that call asking me to stay." William Roache has played Ken Barlow for 62 years and Sam, 29, would love to emulate him.

"It would be surreal but cool," he smiled. "People have watched me grow up and I can imagine Chesney being an old man and pottering off to the Rovers. It would be an honour."