'Coronation Street' actor Antony Cotton is desperate to appear on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Antony Cotton

Antony Cotton

The 39-year-old star - who has played factory worker Sean Tully on the soap for 12 years - has reportedly been begging ITV bosses to let him appear on the BBC celebrity dance contest despite him still being under contract.

However, insiders claim 'Corrie' bosses could make a special exception for Antony, who has been a massive fan of the show for years and even supported his close pal Lisa Riley as she took part in 2012.

A source said: "Antony would be fabulous on 'Strictly' and would be a massive ratings pull for them.

"He adores the show and there is no doubt he would love to be on it."

Antony is said to have become even more interested in the idea of competing on the show after attending his former co-star Michelle Keegan's wedding to Mark Wright, who made it to the final four last year.

The source told Daily Mirror newspaper: "When he was at Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright's wedding he was asking people from the Beeb about it and kind of putting his hat in the ring to be a contestant.

"There were some 'Strictly' people at the wedding who had become close to Mark when he was in it last year and they were chatting to Antony all about it.

"Back at Granada it was the gossip in the Green Room that he could be the shock star this year.

"It really would be ground breaking for an active 'Corrie' artist to take part in 'Strictly' so it's a wait and see situation."

Meanwhile, other celebrities rumoured to have signed up for the upcoming series include former 'X Factor' winner Joe McElderry, TV presenter Adrian Chiles and Spice Girls star Mel B.