Simon Gregson has signed up to martial arts classes after his wife was attacked on a night out.
The Coronation Street star has taken up self defence after Emma Gleave, 35, had her nose broken while defending her brother Michael – who has learning difficulties – during an altercation on a night out.
Simon, 44, told the Daily Star: “I’ve started with the martial arts. It’s a bit hard as I’m old-ish and fat, but it’s worth it.”
The classes – which are believed to be held near his Cheshire home – are thought to teach people basic self defence, and how to handle themselves in dangerous situations.
The soap star – who has played Steve McDonald on the cobbles since 1989 – also suggested the incident made him want to leave city life and move away to be closer to animals.
He added: “Animals are so much nicer than people. If anyone has a safari park and needs a live-in family, we’re in.
“All is well with the world when you’re with animals.”
Simon was said to be “furious” after the attack earlier this month, but his focus has been on making sure his wife – with whom he shares sons Alfie, 11, Harry, nine, and three-year-old Henry – was looked after.
A source previously said: “Emma has always been hugely protective of her brother. The two of them had done nothing wrong when this awful man started goading him.
“Emma wasn’t prepared to let that happen and tried to defuse the situation — but the next second she was punched in the face and left in a lot of pain with a bloody nose.
“What sort of bloke punches a woman? Simon was furious. If he got his hands on this bloke, God knows what would happen. But his first concern is for Emma.”
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