It seems there’s no stopping that Antony Cotton. What’s next, world domination? Yes, Cotton, otherwise known as Coronation Street’s knicker stitcher and barman, Sean Tully, is celebrating after landing a second series of his ITV1 chat show, That Antony Cotton Show.

Despite being slammed by the critics, the show has proved popular with audiences and pulled in good ratings, often beating daytime royalty that is Richard and Judy over on Channel 4.

But wait, there’s more! As if recommissioning another series of his chat show isn't enough, ITV bosses are also in the stages of developing a quiz show to be fronted by Cotton.

"Antony's proved a big hit with viewers outside of Corrie, so it makes sense to give him a game show,” an ITV insider told the Sun newspaper.

"He's got a great rapport with audiences and has always wanted to front a game show. We've not decided what show it will be yet - it could well be an old favourite like Mr And Mrs."

Well, it certainly looks like 2008 is going to be a very busy year for Anthony Cotton.

Actor and chat show host Antony Cotton was named Best Actor at last night’s Inside Soap Awards in London. The openly gay actor scooped the gong for his role in Coronation Street, as lovable gay barman Sean Tully.

"I've won the big one this year, and I'm very very pleased that they chose me. I don't act because of it but it's nice that someone thinks I'm doing well,” said Cotton.

It was a great night for the soap in general, which walked away with five out of fourteen trophies, most notable being the gong for Best Soap. Usually reserved for rival soap Eastenders, it was the first time in over a decade that Coronation Street had won the award.

Alas, our favourite Hollyoaks couple Guy Burnett and James Sutton (Craig and John-Paul) failed to win the award for best couple, losing out to Lacey Turner and Charlie Clements (Stacey and Bradley) from Eastenders.

The Inside Soap Awards are voted for by readers of Inside Soap magazine. The below pic is of Cotton with Charlie Condou, who plays his onscreen boyfriend Marcus, at the event.

TV presenters are two a penny. But openly gay TV presenters, well, that’s a whole different kettle of fish. Surprisingly, though, British television seems to have more than its fair share of presenters who just so happen to be out and proud. And so, to our rundown of twelve of the top gay presenters, hosts, broadcasters, (call them what you like!) on British TV. Some are famous. Some are not. Some are down right funny. And some are just far too gorgeous for words…


Andrew Hayden-Smith

Whistle for a hottie indeed! Apparently Andrew realized he was gay at the tender age of five! Before getting into television presenting for CBBC, he appeared in the BBC’s popular children’s drama Byker Grove. Oh, and more recently, Andrew guest starred in several episodes of Doctor Who!


Kristian Digby

Smart and charming – the perfect combination! Kristian is a popular daytime TV presenter with the BBC. His shows include To Buy or Not to Buy, Uncharted Territory and Trading Up. He’s also an award-winning film director and property developer. And he hosted That Gay Show for BBC Choice.


Alan Carr

Thanks to his camp demeanor and saucy jokes, British stand-up comedian and TV presenter Carr has become a popular figure on the comedy circuit. The co-host of Channel 4’s brilliant The Friday Night Project is much in demand and it’s rumored ITV want him to present a planned revival of Blind Date. Oh my. What would Cilla say?!