Heartthrob TV presenter Ben Shephard became part of a romantic storyline on tonight's Coronation Street.
The Tipping Point and Good Morning Britain star was unveiled as the object of Mary Taylor's affection in comic scenes in the soap.
Mary confessed to Sean Tully that she harboured a crush on the 45-year-old married father of two, and unfurled a blanket she had ordered, adorned with many faces of Shephard.
Offering the blanket to unlucky-in-love Sean she said: "I wanted to feel what it would be like to wrapped in his arms but I think your need is greater.
"Take him, take my Ben."
Clocking Sean's stunned reaction to her Ben blanket she realised she should explain.
"I haven't had a cuddle from a handsome man for many many a moon and I thought what could be more reassuring than to be wrapped in the arms of the always smiling, ever kind Ben Shephard," she said.
Noticing that Sean still seemed unsure of her purchase she told him: "You make it sound tacky, my love for Ben is pure.
"Hence why I'll never appear on Tipping Point."
She added: "The good Shephard and I have such a good connection, I mean we're talking bolts of lightning."
"Mary loves Ben Shephard aw bless her," said one fan on Twitter.
And another tweeted to Ben: "@benshephard as if your fabulous face is all over Corrie. Absolutely loved Mary's love for you."
"Mary knows! Ben Shepherd is a FOX ... I’d get myself barred from tipping point too," said another.
Reassuring that she would never act on her crush she Mary said: "I'd always have to stay two metres apart from the married father-of-two.
"I ain't no home wrecker."
Handing over the blanket Mary, played by Patti Clare, said: "Ben is yours for now but I'll be wanting him back."
Ben is loving his 'cameo' in the long-running soap and tweeted: "I thought being mentioned by Audrey was good - this is another level! Mary’s 'Ben Blankie' in all its glory! I think I’ve peaked!!! Thanks @itvcorrie @APattiClare."
And in return he asked: "How about Mary comes on
@TippingPointITV?"
