Corrie's Simon Gregson branded 'thick as Steve McDonald' for defending Dominic Cummings

Coronation Street actor Simon Gregson has been branded as "thick as Steve McDonald" after he posted a bizarre tweet defending Dominic Cummings.

The Corrie star, who has played dim-witted Steve for 31 years, too to Twitter to shares his views after the embattled Downing Street aide's press conference today.

Speaking in the gardens of Number 10, Cummings declared he left London during lockdown and drove to his parents' country estate to get help with childcare.

His excuses - which included driving an hour to a beauty spot to test his eyesight - sparked much derision, but Gregson spoke out in Cummings' favour.

In a rambling message, Gregson, 45, tweeted: "This discussion gives me the s**ts. Family first ALWAYS. Regardless.

"People have crawled through s**t , gun fire, climbing over dead friends to be with. Put your bulls**t away dick Ed's [heads] coz you’d do the same. Plus back off press 2 Mtrs k**b sucks."

His message was met with an outcry from Gregson's fans who branded him as dim as Steve for defending Cummings, who ignored the government's own guidelindes on staying at home.

One wrote: "U r as thick in real life as u are on the telly!!"

Another added: "This is so insulting to anyone who lost family to covid. To people who have missed funerals to all those NHS staff you clap for. Get a grip honestly."

A third tweeted: "You'll regret this tweet when you're sober."

Others shamed Gregson by telling him of their own family tragedies, including one follower who was unable to see he dying brother-in-law.

They wrote: "I assume you won't be clapping for the NHS again? Saying it's okay to travel anywhere with Covid19 symptoms is slapping the NHS in the face.

"I lost my wonderful brother in law and he was just 10 miles away & I couldn't see him. HOW DARE YOU INFER I DIDN'T GIVE A S**T ABOUT HIM."

While he was also called out by a nurse, who has spent weeks isolated away from family during lockdown.

They wrote: "Omg as a nurse who has worked through this pandemic iv not seen any of my family I am appauled at your words.

"I am shocked! Ive seen people die with noone by their side coz their family have stuck to the rules, people unable to attend loved ones funerals! Unbelievable!"

Others vowed to unfollow Gregson on the social media site over the comment.

He later returned the site in an attempt to repair the damage, writing: "Ok I take it back to understand that we could all ways do that.

"So I hold my hands up and say. BD choice of words. But. Wouldn’t you? Fine line people. Let’s not be told but imagine."