AN EAST Lancashire man who has lit up television screens across America has bagged an Emmy.

Samuel Barker, 33, landed the trophy for outstanding lighting design in a variety series for his work as part of the team behind the US version of The Voice.

Mr Barker, who was born in Blackburn and raised in Burnley, is the son of Burnley-born former Coronation Street actor John Saint Ryan and his wife Joyce.

He was honoured at the 65th Annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards, held at the Nokia Theatre LA Live in Los Angeles last weekend.

Other award winners at the glitzy ceremony included the animated comedy South Park, broadcaster NBC, and drama series Breaking Bad.

Mr Barker, who has two brothers, Shannon and James, said it was an honour to be recognised for his work as a lighting director.

He said: “It’s a very interesting and enjoyable career for me.

“I’ve now been involved in lighting for 17 years.

“I feel lucky to do a job that I enjoy so much and very happy to have been honoured by peers for that work.

“We moved as a family to America in 1992.

“I finished school and began working in a lighting equipment rental house.

“That job led to an interest in the television industry.

“I have since been working my way through the business from small movies and commercial shoots on to larger television shows.

“Throughout my career, I have worked as a gaffer on shows such as The Voice, Conan, American Inventor and Shark Tank.

“I have also worked on live concert events to be televised with artists including The Killers, Jay-Z and Paul McCartney.”

Mr Barker now lives in California with his wife, Lisa, and their two children, Harrison and Jillian, while his father now runs an equestrian ranch.