Alan Halsall pays tribute to Bill Tarmey: 'He was a huge influence'

Alan Halsall has paid tribute to his late co-star Bill Tarmey at the National Television Awards.

Halsall, who picked up the gong for 'Best Serial Drama Performance', told reporters backstage that he was wearing Tarmey's watch on the request of his widow.

Watch Alan Halsall chat to Digital Spy below:


"I'm sure he'll be having a fag on me," he said.

Halsall went on to pay tribute to his former co-star, who passed away in November.



"He gave me 15 years of advice," he said. "He guided me literally from the very start of my career on Coronation Street. He was such a huge, huge influence... he was like a second dad on the street, if you like. It was a huge influence.

"He'd be laughing at this right now, he really would. He'd be laughing. He used to say, 'None of that bloody acting!' so he'll be laughing his head off that I've won this tonight."



Halsall also revealed that his win took a while to sink in, saying: "In all honesty, it was just shock.

"My wife kept saying, 'Have you prepared a speech?' and I said no. I was in a strong category and any of the other three would have been deserving of it, so I really didn't hold much hope.



"When they read my name I was more shocked than I was happy... but I'm happy now!"

Halsall recently revealed that he would love to match Tarmey's 31 years on Coronation Street.

Bill Tarmey's life and career in pictures - photo gallery:

Copyright: Rex Features ITV/Rex Features