Weatherfield actor apologises to neighbours

Coronation Street star Simon Gregson has been forced to apologise to his new neighbours.

The actor, who plays cab firm boss Steve McDonald on the ITV1 soap, has recently moved into a new home in Morley Green, near Wilmslow, Cheshire, with fiancée Emma Gleave. Since their arrival, Simon's pet dog Ollie has repeatedly escaped - and he suspects that the German shepherd cross is responsible for a number of pregnancies in the neighbourhood.

Gregson took the opportunity to apologise for his dog's antics when he opened the village's summer fair last week.

"As a new neighbour, it's a pleasure to be here to open this fun day," Simon explained. "But I would like to apologise here and now to residents about my dog Ollie, who is also known as Houdini. He has a roving eye and a very red-blooded nature. So if anyone finds their dogs are a little bit overweight, we will know who to blame."

A friend of Simon's told the Daily Star: "Simon's new place is absolutely gorgeous and he's made sure it is secure. However, Ollie is a very cheeky dog and seems to be doing everything he can to give Simon the slip. He's a lovely hound but he can be over friendly at times."