Corrie's Alex Bain has explained how his little girl has helped him through lockdown.
The Simon Barlow actor, 19, welcomed daughter Lydia in 2018 with ex-girlfriend Levi Selby.
And the proud dad has been able to spend more time than ever with her over the past year after the first lockdown saw Corrie filming grind to a halt.
Restrictions have also meant Alex hasn't been travelling to see long-distance girlfriend Mollie as frequently, who lives just over the Welsh border.
Alex recalled to various media including Manchester Evening News: "When we were off for all that time, not working, I did feel a bit lost because I was working all the time and it is hard to get out of that work rhythm.
"I remember still getting up the day after we finished thinking I need to be ready for work and then remembering, 'oh no we're off because of Covid'."
He added: "I'm that type of person who likes to see people who I haven't seen for a while, especially when I finished my college course.
"I finished all my college online. I never saw any of my friends and some of them have gone off to Scotland, London and some have even gone off abroad and I haven't seen them."
"It was tough and then not being able to see my partner because she doesn't live in England. She lives just across the Welsh border," Alex went on.
"We've spent a good maybe three quarters of our relationship not physically being able to see each other. It was a struggle but I've obviously got FaceTime and Zoom."
And Blackburn native Alex said of his family: "I've spent a lot more time with my family because I was always off up and down the country going to see my girlfriend and coming back.
"I never really get time to sit down and just chill, have a brew and just talk to my family.
"Especially with my daughter Lydia, we've just been constantly watching films here at my house so it's great.
"She's keeping me going."
Alex also revealed that he and Mollie are gaming together on Animal Crossing as regulations keep them from travelling.
Meanwhile, fans fear character Simon will be dragged into a dark place by Weatherfield newcomer and drug lord Harvey.
