Coronation Street actor John Bowe who has been living in the Polperro area for the past five years was celebrating this week when his wife Emma gave birth at home to a Cornish son.

The delighted couple already have two daughters - Maddie (5) and Aimee (3) - and John was able to take a week's leave from his hectic 'Street' schedule to be by Emma's side throughout. He said 6lb 14oz Jude was born in a birthing pool which was a fantastic experience, and both mother and son are well.

The 49 year old actor was in Polperro village on Tuesday morning to present a National Lottery cheque for £4,172 to the Pre School (see inside), and was happy to speak to The Cornish Times, which he said he takes every week, about his Street role. He is not a new face to television being an actor of long standing, appearing in Capital City, Imogen's Face, Soldier Soldier and two series of Class Act with Joanna Lumley, to name but a few, but he said landing the Street part has been the icing on the cake.

He is thoroughly enjoying his role as Dougie Ferguson, the printer turned builder involved in the redevelopment of Victoria Street, but when asked if the writers would be giving him a love interest - maybe Audrey Roberts - he laughingly replied that he was not able to give away any secrets. 'I prefer not to ask anyway' he said. ' I just get on with the weekly script in hand, although some of the cast are always interested in what is in store for them'. John is pleased with the way his character is evolving and has been signed up for a year's contract, but said that all the actors are treated the same, even Bill Toomey who has played Jack Duckworth for many years.

We asked if he had forged any special friendships among the cast since he arrived on the Street a few months ago but John said everyone just got on very well together. 'They are a great bunch of actors to work with and terrific people' he said. However, he said Helen Worth who plays Gail Platt, has been a family friend for years and is in fact his wife's god mother, so it is lovely to be working with her.

The Bowe family moved to South East Cornwall after spending a holiday here and falling in love with the place. Originally from The Wirral, John grew up by the sea and wanted to return to it. He was also attracted by all the beautiful gorse everywhere. 'We are very happy here' he said, 'and now we have a Cornish son we feel even closer to the place, but unfortunately the six days a week schedule at Coronation Street means separation from the family. I live in a flat in Manchester and get home when I can. We are finding it difficult and at present are having to re-think our lives.'

John said if the family moves to be closer to his work they will always come back to Polperro whenever they are able. 'Coronation Street is a relentless juggernaut that chugs on and on' he said, 'and we have to fit in with it at present'.