When Coronation Street's Peter Barlow opened Poundland

But life was considerably more blissful for Chris Gascogne, who plays Coronation Street’s Peter Barlow, when he left the cobbles behind to visit Dorset.

Chris did the honours of opening the new Poundland store in Dorchester in September 2012.

Chris cut the ribbon as the town centre store held a family fun day to celebrate the opening with music and giveaways.

Mr Gascoyne greeted customers and signed autographs, and even shared a special moment with one young mum.

Charlie Teague, 20, brought eight-month-old Scarlet May to the opening.

Grandmother Shelly Daniels said: “Charlie is undergoing treatment, but she was allowed out of hospital for the day to come and meet him.

“She loves Coronation Street, so I think she will be going back to hospital a very happy girl.”

Charlie added: “It was great meeting him, and we had a chat and a photo. He’s very hot.”

Dozens of people watched from outside the store as the star cut the ribbon. He then chatted to staff and handed out vouchers before signing autographs at the back of the store where more fans were waiting.

One lifelong fan of the soap, 67-year-old Ronica Aplin, was delighted to get a hug.

She said: “I asked if I could give him a hug, and couldn’t believe it when he said yes.

“I think I started a bit of a trend, because everyone was doing it after that. It was amazing. He’s so lovely in real life.”

Mr Gascoyne said the people who turned out to see him were ‘lovely’.

He added: “I did not expect such a good reception so that’s nice.

“I know Dorchester through Thomas Hardy, and I’m actually halfway through Jude the Obscure at the minute. It’s a nice place.”

Chris has been one of Coronation Street's longest serving stars.

He joined the soap opera in 2002, with the character of Peter already having been played by six other actors!

Peter Barlow is married to Carla in the show and he has a son, Simon.