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Corrie’s Rob Mallard makes cheeky acceptance speech at the British Soap Awards

He joked his award wasn't the best thing he was taking home

Coronation Street were among the big winners at Saturday night’s British Soap Awards.

Rob Mallard, aka, Daniel Osbourne, picked up the award for best newcomer, for his portrayal of Ken Barlow’s troubled youngest son.

He beat off competition from Emmerdale’s Sally Dexter (Faith Dingle), Hollyoaks Duncan James (Ryan Knight), EastEnders Zack Morris (Keegan Baker) and Doctors’ Ritu Arya (Dr Megan Sharma).

But as he took to the stage to collect his award, his speech had the audience in stitches as he spoke about his romance with co-star Daniel Brocklebank, who plays vicar Billy Mayhew.

He said: “I want to thank the whole cast, but in particular I want to thank the Barlows as they’ve made a space for me, which is so important. I want to thank the writers and the storyliners.”

He then looked at his award and added: “Even though this is fantastic, Dan you’re still the best thing I’ve taken home!”

Aw, what a lovely thing to say!

Read more: Corrie’s Cath Tyldesley wears tribute to Manchester at Soap Awards

The pair confirmed they are dating last month after making their official red carpet debut at the LGBT Awards.

The pair’s paths have never crossed on screen, but it seems romance blossomed off it when Rob helped Daniel put up some shelves.

Confirming their union on Twitter, Daniel said: “It’s true! @Rob_Mallard only came round to put some shelves up & it went from there… #LoveIsInTheAir [sic]”

Rob retweeted the comment and added one of his own to his twitter feed:

“Thanks for all of the kind comments! I have indeed bagged the ‘notorious’ @Dan_Brocklebank (batteries not included).”

Fans were quick to congratulate them on their happy news, with one commenting: “So happy for you” and another adding: “I think you’re already my favourite couple ever!”

A source told The Mirror that: “Daniel was instantly attracted to Rob when he joined the cast.

“They got on really well and quickly developed feelings for each other. The cast love having them together on social occasions, there’s definitely real chemistry there.”

Both boys are involved in their fair share of drama on the cobbles at the moment, with Rob’s Daniel the culprit in the ‘who pushed Ken Barlow’ saga.

Last week saw the return of Daniel’s mother Denise Osbourne who had abandoned him when she had a breakdown.

Meanwhile, Billy and boyfriend Todd Grimshaw are set to become parents to Billy’s goddaughter, Summer.

It’s set to test their relationship to the full as they take on the little girl when her dad, Drew, dies.

Read more: Corrie’s Kate Connor to have a shocking new romance

With such a lot going on on-screen, it’s good they’ve got each other to come home to off-screen!


Carena Crawford
Associate Editor (Soaps)