Coronation Street viewers were taken aback to learn that two characters who never crossed paths on the iconic cobbles are actually related in real life. Tommy Orpington, a footballer for Weatherfield County on the soap who had a fling with Tracy Barlow earlier this year, is portrayed by actor Matt Milburn.

Soap acting clearly runs in the family, as both Coronation Street and Emmerdale are home to many real-life family members - from twins to cousins

Many soap stars have likened their co-stars to family - and for some ITV actors, this really is the case with real-life siblings appearing in rival soaps as well

Many viewers have been following their soap favourites for years, but may not be aware that several stars have real-life family connections

Soap acting clearly runs in the family, as both Coronation Street and Emmerdale are home to many real-life family members - from twins to cousins

Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars have become like family to viewers over the years, but some actors who appear on the ITV soaps really are related in real life

Coronation Street has seen a number of real-life family members take to the cobbles over the years, but some fans are only just discovering that two stars are related

Coronation Street has brought in several real-life family members onto the cobbles over the years - but some viewers may not have realised