In a poignant tribute that has resonated throughout the British television industry, Coronation Street star Antony Cotton has publicly mourned the passing of a vital behind-the-scenes figure. Matthew Owens, a highly respected fire safety advisor whose expertise was instrumental in bringing some of the UK’s most dramatic and ambitious soap opera moments to life safely and spectacularly, has died at the age of 38. His unexpected death has left colleagues, friends, and family across the entertainment world in deep mourning.

Antony Cotton, known to millions as the enduringly optimistic barman and factory worker Sean Tully on Coronation Street, took to Instagram to express his profound grief over the sudden loss of his longtime friend and colleague. Alongside a photograph of the order of service from Owens’ funeral, Cotton penned an emotional tribute that reflected both the deep personal bond they shared and the immense professional respect Owens commanded within the demanding world of television production.

“Today was a very hard day for so many people, especially Matt’s family,” Cotton wrote, his words conveying the raw pain of loss. “I still can’t quite get my head around it, to be honest. Matt was just a really, really nice lad.” The actor went on to recall the genesis of their friendship, which began during a pivotal stunt sequence on Coronation Street in 2013. This year marked Owens’ debut with the beloved soap as a key part of its specialised fire safety team. The stunt itself was no ordinary scene; it was the infamous Rovers Return Inn fire, a storyline that sent shockwaves through the audience and demanded meticulous, painstaking coordination behind the scenes to achieve its dramatic realism without compromising safety.

“We met when he did the fire safety for a stunt block at Coronation Street, 13 years ago and we’ve been friends ever since,” Cotton continued, highlighting the longevity and depth of their connection. “He was a much-loved son, brother, dad, colleague, and partner. He was also a quiet and humble, solid friend.” Cotton’s tribute concluded with a heartfelt, personal farewell: “I’ll miss hearing from you Matt, out of the blue sometimes, but always with a smile. You are at rest now, no more worries Matty Boy.”

Though Matthew Owens’ name was never featured in the opening credits and his face was never seen on camera, his contributions to British television were immeasurable. A dedicated firefighter by profession, Owens brought an unparalleled blend of real-world safety expertise and intimate production experience to some of the most dangerous and logistically complex sequences in modern soap history. His unique skill set allowed producers and directors to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, transforming seemingly impossible ideas into gripping on-screen realities.

Owens began his impressive television career with Emmerdale in 2011, quickly establishing himself as an indispensable figure in the staging of several landmark stunt episodes. Among his notable achievements there were the dramatic helicopter crash that stunned audiences in 2015 – a colossal undertaking that saw a real helicopter brought down in the heart of the village – and the Hotten bypass crash, a brutal, fiery pile-up that remains one of the soap’s most iconic and viscerally impactful sequences. These were not merely special effects; they were carefully choreographed events, meticulously planned and executed under Owens’ watchful eye.

His presence on set wasn’t merely about preventing accidents; it was fundamentally about enabling creative vision. Working in close collaboration with directors, producers, stunt teams, and actors, Owens helped orchestrate controlled chaos. Whether it was the explosive force of a car bomb, the harrowing impact of a vehicle collision, or the destructive power of a raging fire, his overarching goal remained consistent: to create believable, high-stakes danger without ever putting lives at risk. This delicate balance of artistry and responsibility is what set his work apart.

His expertise naturally led him to other major productions, including Hollyoaks and, of course, a return to Coronation Street, where he was repeatedly called upon for major stunt blocks due to his proven track record. Most recently, Owens was a crucial part of the team behind the soap’s critically acclaimed 2021 Halloween episodes. This tense, high-stakes multi-episode arc featured several converging storylines, including Abi Webster’s (Sally Carman) emotionally charged confrontation with Corey Brent (Maximus Evans), the young man responsible for her son Seb’s tragic death, and Leanne Battersby’s (Jane Danson) harrowing hostage situation at the hands of the ruthless gangster Harvey Gaskell (Will Mellor). Staged with cinematic ambition and a gritty realism rarely seen in daily serial dramas, these episodes garnered widespread critical acclaim for their intricate choreography, palpable tension, and impressive visual scale—a profound testament to the unsung professionals like Owens who tirelessly worked behind the scenes to bring them so vividly to life.

While his professional contributions were undeniably impressive and foundational to the spectacle of British soaps, what truly made Owens stand out to those who knew him was his personality: humble, steady, and profoundly sincere. “He was just one of those people who made everything feel a bit more grounded,” remarked one former colleague, reflecting on Owens’ calming influence. “When you’re blowing up cars or lighting pub sets on fire, that kind of calm is invaluable.” Cotton’s tribute echoed this sentiment, highlighting Owens’ quiet strength and the gentle but meaningful ways he consistently stayed connected with friends and colleagues. “Matt would message every now and then, always unexpected, but always with kindness,” Cotton penned, capturing the essence of Owens’ supportive nature. “It’s those small, consistent gestures that stick with you.” As a dedicated father, a loving partner, and a loyal friend, Owens leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the stunts and the scripts he helped realise. To those closest to him, he was the person who consistently showed up, who cared deeply, and who worked tirelessly behind the scenes—both literally and metaphorically—to keep others safe and supported.

In an industry often defined by the bright lights of its stars, it is a rare and moving occurrence for the spotlight to shine so intensely on those whose meticulous work ensures that others can take the stage safely. But Owens’ passing has prompted a rare and heartfelt outpouring from the entire entertainment community—not just from Coronation Street, but from across the diverse landscape of UK television. Producers, stunt coordinators, and fellow crew members from multiple soaps and networks have posted their sincere condolences, remembering Owens as “the rock on set” and “a real professional, always with a grin and a plan.” One former Emmerdale crew member perfectly encapsulated the collective sentiment, stating, “People like Matt are the glue that hold productions together. He made us feel safe, and made the work fun.”

For Coronation Street, Owens’ passing is far more than just the loss of a valued colleague; it is the departure of a deeply trusted and cherished member of the family. Soap opera sets are notoriously fast-paced, high-pressure environments where trust between cast and crew is paramount. That indispensable trust, in no small part, often rests squarely on the shoulders of individuals like Matthew Owens, whose reliability and expertise allowed everyone to perform their roles with confidence. As Antony Cotton and countless others grieve, they do so not just for the professional void left by his absence, but for the profound personal loss. Owens wasn’t just a fire safety advisor; he was an integral part of the heartbeat of the set, a quiet, reassuring presence in the background, ensuring that the dramatic spectacle always remained safely contained within the screen.

Antony Cotton’s poignant tribute ends with a line that resonates deeply: “You are at rest now, no more worries, Matty Boy.” It is a farewell that feels both intensely intimate and universally understood—a powerful reminder of the unsung individuals who give tirelessly, often without fanfare, to help compelling stories come vividly to life. In remembering Matthew Owens, the British television industry remembers not just the explosions and fires he helped tame, but the warmth, care, and steadfast friendship he offered to all those lucky enough to have known him. His legacy burns bright—not in the dramatic flames he expertly managed, but in the countless lives he touched and the enduring impact he made, quietly, brilliantly, behind the scenes.