STREET' STARS MOBBED BY FANS ON OMAGH VISIT
Street' stars mobbed by fans on Omagh visit
TWO of Coronation Street's most popular characters swooped their usual surroundings in the TV soap on Thursday to go walk-about on Omagh's High Street, and delighted local fans who mobbed them for autographs.
The goodwill visit by David Neilson and Julie Hesmondhalgh, alias Roy and Hayley, was the brainchild of Ballymena couple, Bertie and Teri Boyd.
Said Mr. Boyd: "We were so moved by the scenes of devastation following the Omagh bombing that we felt we had to do something."
"While watching Coronation Street one night I thought it would be nice if some of the stars could come over to try and lift the spirits of those affected, and help us raise money for the Omagh Memorial Fund."
He rang the production manager with his idea and it got the blessing of Granada Television, the programme makers.
"Roy and Hayley called at the district council offices and were shown around the town by the arts and tourism officer, Frank Sweeney. St. Julian's House sheltered accommodation and Hillbank Fold were on their itinerary, and in High Street they spoke to shoppers and called into the Oxfam shop and Watterson's shop, which both lost members of staff as a result of the bomb in August.
"I can confirm that Roy and Hayley have not eloped, and aren't here to get married," said Julie.
"I can say, however, that Roy and Hayley still face tough times ahead. There is another dramatic storyline to come, and there will be tears for the couple in the coming weeks," she said.
The actress explained that both she and David had filmed three weeks in advance and were now off for two weeks.
"I have got a friend who is originally from Belfast but who now lives in England, and she is joining me here in Northern Ireland to show me some of the sights," said the soap star, who added that she would be staying in the Province for six days.
David, who was in the Province with his wife, Jane, explained that they wanted to see more of the area, and had planned to stay here for four days to take in the local tourist attractions.
Commenting on the story line, she explained that the filming could be quite hectic.
When you have a big storyline, you tend to work non-stop, like the characters who play Sally and Gregg are doing now, but at the moment we have some time off and we intend to make the most of it," she said.
Divulging some of the programmes secrets, Julie revealed to autograph hunters, that while filming scenes of Hayley sewing, the programme-makers had to use someone else's hands.
"My hands looked so awkward that they decided that it would be better if they used someone else's hands for those scenes," said the actress.
Mr. Boyd explained that he has been raising money for charity for over 15 years.
"I have completed bike rides, sponsored walks, organised shows and events, you name it I've done it," he said
Following their visit to Omagh, the stars travelled to Claudy, where they were presented with a cheque the proceeds from a pub quiz for the fund. They also attended a fund-raising 60's night at the Leighinmohr Hotel, Ballymena, the proceeds of which were also donated to the fund.
TWO of Coronation Street's most popular characters swooped their usual surroundings in the TV soap on Thursday to go walk-about on Omagh's High Street, and delighted local fans who mobbed them for autographs.
The goodwill visit by David Neilson and Julie Hesmondhalgh, alias Roy and Hayley, was the brainchild of Ballymena couple, Bertie and Teri Boyd.
Said Mr. Boyd: "We were so moved by the scenes of devastation following the Omagh bombing that we felt we had to do something."
"While watching Coronation Street one night I thought it would be nice if some of the stars could come over to try and lift the spirits of those affected, and help us raise money for the Omagh Memorial Fund."
He rang the production manager with his idea and it got the blessing of Granada Television, the programme makers.
"Roy and Hayley called at the district council offices and were shown around the town by the arts and tourism officer, Frank Sweeney. St. Julian's House sheltered accommodation and Hillbank Fold were on their itinerary, and in High Street they spoke to shoppers and called into the Oxfam shop and Watterson's shop, which both lost members of staff as a result of the bomb in August.
"I can confirm that Roy and Hayley have not eloped, and aren't here to get married," said Julie.
"I can say, however, that Roy and Hayley still face tough times ahead. There is another dramatic storyline to come, and there will be tears for the couple in the coming weeks," she said.
The actress explained that both she and David had filmed three weeks in advance and were now off for two weeks.
"I have got a friend who is originally from Belfast but who now lives in England, and she is joining me here in Northern Ireland to show me some of the sights," said the soap star, who added that she would be staying in the Province for six days.
David, who was in the Province with his wife, Jane, explained that they wanted to see more of the area, and had planned to stay here for four days to take in the local tourist attractions.
Commenting on the story line, she explained that the filming could be quite hectic.
When you have a big storyline, you tend to work non-stop, like the characters who play Sally and Gregg are doing now, but at the moment we have some time off and we intend to make the most of it," she said.
Divulging some of the programmes secrets, Julie revealed to autograph hunters, that while filming scenes of Hayley sewing, the programme-makers had to use someone else's hands.
"My hands looked so awkward that they decided that it would be better if they used someone else's hands for those scenes," said the actress.
Mr. Boyd explained that he has been raising money for charity for over 15 years.
"I have completed bike rides, sponsored walks, organised shows and events, you name it I've done it," he said
Following their visit to Omagh, the stars travelled to Claudy, where they were presented with a cheque the proceeds from a pub quiz for the fund. They also attended a fund-raising 60's night at the Leighinmohr Hotel, Ballymena, the proceeds of which were also donated to the fund.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1270
Published Date: 08-Oct-98
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