Actor Calum Lill posted a moving tribute to his fiancée as he hailed her for her support as he focuses on his career

Coronation Street star Calum Lill has posted a moving tribute to his fiancée as he hailed her for her support as he focuses on his career. The actor is loved and loathed for playing Joel Deering in the ITV soap.

As viewers know, the solicitor first arrived in Weatherfield as a new love interest for local legal expert Dee-Dee Bailey. The pair quickly hit it off and had plans to marry, until the truth about Joel was uncovered.

Earlier this year it was revealed that Joel was Lauren Bolton’s ‘secret boyfriend’ and was behind her disappearance and presumed murder after he was seen attacking her with a chair leg. It was unclear if Lauren was still alive until July, when she returned to visit a poorly Roy Cropper, who had just been released from prison suspected of killing her.

As she tried to leave undetected, Joel accosted her in the hospital where an intense confrontation ensued and the truth about their relationship was exposed, showing Joel had been paying Lauren’s bills and buying her gifts in return for sex, leading to her falling pregnant with his child.

Since then, Joel has tried to keep Lauren quiet by secretly housing her in his flat, promising that she will be able to start a new life in Belfast. However, in a shocking twist, Joel was seen giving the teen a drug that saw her go into early labour with their son, Frankie, who is now fighting for his life in the hospital.

In the meantime, Dee-Dee discovered what her fiance had been up to, with Lauren not being the only young girl he has groomed. She’s since teamed up with DS Lisa Swain to bring Joel down and the pair appeared close when Swain was able to charge him over the buying the drugs used to prompt Lauren’s early labour as baby Frankie’s health remains in a fragile state.

But during Friday’s (September 27) episode of Corrie, viewers saw Joel not show up to his plea hearing and a warrant was issued for his arrest. After transferring money to Lauren and his ex-wife Emily, it is believed Joel may end up taking his own life.

The episode ended with Joel crying in his car. He recorded a message for Dee-Dee, telling her he still loves her. After ending the call, Joel looked at himself in the car mirror, and a large wound was shown across his face.

Amid appearing in his latest dramatic scenes as Joel, actor Calum took to social media with a string of sweet snaps of himself and his real-life partner Roberta Mcclarron, who said ‘yes’ to marrying him when he popped the question back in June.

Alongside the adorable photos of the pair, Calum said: “Ah my partner in crime. For the last year I’ve been totally focused on my career which has meant you have come second and I’ve hardly seen you. Some people might have gotten upset or pissed off at this, but you have done nothing but support me in chasing my dream.

“On top of your own job, you’ve looked after our home. You’ve done pretty much all of the cooking & cleaning, all my washing, the pots, the decorating, and you’ve taken it in your stride and never grumbled even on the many days when I was gone before you woke up and got into bed after you were asleep. You did this because you knew it’s what I needed and you supported me completely. I’m so grateful to have you in my life and that you agreed to marry me. Thanks for being amazing. Here’s some of my favourite pics.”

Roberta quickly responded with a joke, telling her future husband: “God, why you so obsessed with me,” while former on-screen partner Channique Sterling-Brown, who plays Dee-Dee, commented: “An absolute queen.”

Calum’s fans and followers were also quick to respond to the post and also share praise for the soap star. @ellissheppardx said: “Ahh bloody love Corrie and you’re an amazing character, I literally hate you in the best possible way.” @hodgkinson496 commented: “She’s so pretty, that is a lovely piece you put.”

@sophieb_1990 wrote: “Amazing acting tonight @calumlill. I love to hate your character, honestly thought Dee Dee would’ve killed you tonight. On a serious note, beautiful couple.” @shannonknight591 replied: “Honestly @calumlill this got me how beautiful.” @x_.carlajones._x added: “That is truly lovely.”