Queer as Folk actor wins Soapstar Superstar

By Tony Grew • January 15, 2007 - 10:02

Cotton gave a breakthrough performance in the classic series Queer as Folk, in the role of camp scene-bunny Alexander.

57 Comments on Queer as Folk actor wins Soapstar Superstar

Antony Cotton has won the singing competition Soapstar Superstar. The 31-year-old, who currently stars in Coronation Street, beat Emmerdale star Hayley Tamaddon in a live final over the weekend.

His prize was a £200,000 donation to the Elton John Aids Foundation. He was one of 11 soap opera actors who took part in the competition.

Cotton gave a breakthrough performance in the classic series Queer as Folk, in the role of camp scene-bunny Alexander.

His current role on Coronation Street, Sean Tully, is an unashamedly camp, over-the-top characterisation in a soap that has under-represented gay men.

The ITV soap did not have any gay activity until 2003, despite its massive gay fanbase.

Cotton won the Most Popular Newcomer category at the National Television Awards for his portrayal of Sean Tully in 2005.

In the live final of Soapstar Superstar. he sang Westlife's Love Me For A Reason, Mad World by Tears for Fears and Daniel by Elton John.

Other contestants throughout the series were Coronation Street actors Tupele Dorgu (Kelly Crabtree) and Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby).

From Emmderdale, Verity Rushworth (Donna Windsor) and Matthew Wolfenden (David Metcalfe) took part along with Hollyoaks stars Gemma Atkinson (Lisa Hunter) and Leon Lopez (Tank Top).

EastEnder Elaine Lordan (Lynne Hobbs) competed alongside Neighbours' Alan Fletcher (Dr Karl Kennedy) and Home and Away's Mark Furze (Eric Dalby)

Share this story with the world These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.