Two popular Coronation Street stars have shared their off-screen marriage with fans as one appears as the other's on-screen widow.

Eleanor Howell, who will be joining the show on Monday as Steven Meo's widow, revealed that the two are actually married in real life.

Eleanor, who plays Lou, the wife of Rufus Donahue, revealed the news to fans on Twitter, saying: "Well, don’t mind if I do… Delighted to say I’m joining the lovely bunch at Corrie! Following in @stevemeo’s footsteps, Catch me as my real-life hubby’s on-screen widow!"

Her show and real-life husband Steven Meo replied saying: "Hugely proud to announce my super talented wife will be appearing in #Corrie from next week on, as my On-screen grieving widow!!"

This comes after Steven's character was murdered by Stephen Reid (Todd Boyce) a few months ago after working out that he had been drugging Carla (Alison King).

Fans 'can't wait' as Eleanor Howell joins Coronation Street as real-life husband Steven Meo's widow

Fans quickly shared their excitement at her arrival on the Manchester-based soap, with one user writing: "Brilliant! Loving this storyline! Hope you don't meet a similarly grisly end!"

One added: "Well done can't wait till Monday" while another said: "Omg I need to catch up!!! Can't wait!"

Others said that her arrival was "fabulous" and "fantastic!"