“I didn't know whether to smack you or kiss you!”

This was one Coronation Street fan’s reaction to meeting Pat Phelan, played by Connor McIntyre, when she meet him during filming in Whitehaven this week.

Ruth McDonald is the partner of Ian Fisher, the branch chairman of Bransty Royal British Legion, where some of the soap’s shooting took place.

Ian said: “While filming on Monday evening, I was introduced to cast members Pat and Eileen (Sue Cleaver) who were both very friendly and appreciated the warm welcome they were receiving from the Bransty people on a very cold night.

“They both took the time to have photos taken with the many fans that had waited for a glimpse of the stars. Connor had them all sing “We love Phelan!”

Ian described the moment Ruth first met Connor in character as Pat. “She said to him: ‘I don’t know whether to smack you or kiss you’. His reply was ‘come here and give us a kiss!’

“All during their filming when there was a break the actors would mingle with fans and have photos taken. They were marvellous.”

Ian, as branch chairman, had previously met with directors and crew who had all said how beautiful Whitehaven was, admitting the view from Bransty was “fantastic”. He said: “I am sure they have made a lot of friends – I know we have.”

Ian thanked all the Corrie fans who waited outside the Legion “for respecting the requests from the filming crew when a scene was being done, and apologies to the local residents for any inconvenience caused”.