Coronation Street fan favourites Alan Halsall and Andy Whyment gave viewers a glimpse into their real-life friendship this week, ditching the drama of the cobbles for a boys’ night out filled with football, fun, and food. Known to millions as Tyrone Dobbs and Kirk Sutherland in the long-running ITV soap, the pair proved that their off-screen bond is just as strong as their on-screen charm.
On Thursday night (May 8), the two actors were spotted at Old Trafford, cheering on their beloved Manchester United as the team delivered a resounding 4-1 comeback victory over Athletic Bilbao, sealing a dominant 7-1 aggregate result to book their place in the Europa League final. While the match provided plenty of action, it was the warm camaraderie between the actors that truly caught fans’ attention.
Ahead of the game, Alan took to Instagram to share a cheeky photo of Andy enjoying a dessert, captioning it with his trademark humour: “As if being my date wasn’t enough… Look how happy my big bro is with his brownie!!” He included emojis of heart eyes and tears of laughter, perfectly capturing the mood of the evening.
Andy responded with equal enthusiasm, resharing the post on his own story and calling the evening “absolutely delightful,” adding several smiling emojis. The two also shared a selfie from the stands, grinning widely as they soaked in the match-day atmosphere. “My bro @alanhalsall. Come on United,” Andy wrote, proving that their shared love for football only deepens their real-life connection.
This latest outing isn’t the first time Alan has taken fans behind the scenes of his close friendships with co-stars. Just last week, the actor shared a rare and humorous moment with fellow Corrie legend Jennie McAlpine, who plays his on-screen partner Fiz. In a sunny Instagram Story post, Alan joked that he’d “taken the wife out for lunch,” snapping a candid moment of the two enjoying a break near the set at Media City. His light-hearted caption—complete with a red heart and laughing emojis—was a sweet nod to their long-running fictional relationship.
But Alan’s recent highlights haven’t all been about work and football. Earlier this year, he embarked on an unforgettable adventure abroad with his daughter Sienna. The father-daughter duo travelled to Thailand to attend a special wedding, but the trip quickly became about more than just the ceremony. Alan took full advantage of the opportunity to make memories with his 11-year-old, documenting their journey through a series of heartfelt social media posts.
In one especially touching moment, Alan shared a photo of himself and Sienna standing on a serene Thai beach, holding hands as they gazed out at the ocean. Reflecting on the experience, he wrote: “She may not remember every adventure, but she’ll always remember who held her hand.” The caption, paired with the tranquil setting, encapsulated the bond between father and daughter—and reminded followers of the importance of cherishing the little moments that make up a lifetime.
The trip offered fans a more personal glimpse into Alan’s world, showing a devoted dad who balances a busy acting career with time spent nurturing relationships that matter most. Whether he’s cheering on his team with Andy, enjoying a laugh with Jennie, or sharing quiet beach moments with his daughter, it’s clear that Alan values meaningful connections both on and off screen.
With his return to Coronation Street and a slate of personal adventures under his belt, Alan Halsall continues to show that life outside Weatherfield can be just as rich and heartwarming as the stories unfolding on it. Fans will no doubt be eager to see what’s next for Tyrone Dobbs in the soap—while keeping a close eye on Alan’s equally engaging real-life journey.
Would you like me to create a similar paraphrased spoiler-style piece for Jennie McAlpine or Andy Whyment next?