SAM Aston has captured the hearts of millions as Coronation Street's cheeky schoolboy Chesney Brown. And the Haslingden High School pupil has scooped several major awards since his debut just a year ago.

Now he's been nominated for Most Popular Newcomer at tonight's National TV Awards. CHARLOTTE BRADSHAW went to meet him as he prepared for the big night.

"SIT down and make yourself feel at home," says Sam Aston, looking relaxed in his school uniform - minus the tie - as he proudly shows off the five awards on display in the conservatory of his family's Bacup home.

It's a haul any actor would be proud off - and made all the more impressive by the fact he is just 11.

Sam made his on-screen debut when he was five as an extra in American film Eddy Mountain, thanks to an audition arranged through his Bury-based acting agent Carol Godby.

But it was for after winning a part in the Bill - as Ryan Best - he gain enough confidence to go for the role of Chesney Brown in ITV1's hit soap.

Sam recalled how he impressed the show's bosses by telling a funny tale about his time at Bacup Golf Club.

"I told them about the time a lady golfer accused me of not being a member and I said: 'Actually, I am love!' I think that helped win them over and convince them I could pull off the character," said Sam.

But he did admit walking on those famous cobbles for the first time was a daunting prospect. He said: "The first time I was quite shocked because I was with all these people who you see on television all the time."

It is safe to say life for Sam has never been the same and his family get almost as much attention.

Famous women constantly want to meet the flame-haired youngster - they pinch his cheeks and tell him how cute he is. For most men, to be told the likes of actress Jennifer Ellison and pop starlets Girls Aloud were admirers would be a dream come true.

But Sam, who likens himself to his on-screen character, manages to take it all in his stride.

He recalled: "Jennifer told me she loved watching me but I didn't really know who she was until I saw her. Girls like me at the moment but they might not think the same when I get older."

Behind the scenes, Sam gets on well with all the Corrie cast members, especially Andy Whyment, who plays Kirk Sutherland. They both play the guitar and, away from filming, Andy gives the keen young musician some handy hints.

"He's really on my wavelength, I think he's really funny. We're both into music so we get on well. The adult actors are nice but they are always telling rude jokes that I don't understand," said Sam.

Sam is already on his way to achieving what most people don't achieve in a lifetime. But fame has also brought with it the media attention.

His mum Janet, a medical secretary, and dad Richard, an accountant, try to protect Sam from too much exposure. And Janet said: "We had the nationals round the other week wanting a story but we declined to talk.

"A story was printed recently saying that Sam was one of the highest paid in Coronation Street, which is total rubbish.

"It really frustrates you when you see things like that. And then there was another saying that Sam said he wanted to go to EastEnders, which was not the case.

"Everything gets twisted and it gets you really annoyed, especially as Sam is so young. He needs protecting from all that, which we try to do as best we can."

Sam's family play a huge part in his life, with his parents encouraging and supporting his acting career.

And he has had some experienced role models to learn from.

Having five older sisters - Sarah, 30; Vicky, 28; Kate, 25; Emily, 22, and Lizzie, 19 - and three brothers - Christopher, 33; Tom, 17, and Joe, 14 - has helped Sam adapt his character. He was quick to follow in the acting footsteps of Emily, Joseph and Thomas.

Emily is best remembered by Corrie fans as Becky Palmer, daughter of Des Barnes's girlfriend Claire. The others

have starred on the small screen, landing roles in Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit by Accrington-born author Jeanette Winterson and medical drama Peak Practice.

Emily, who now lives in London, is currently starring in the one-camera movie, Dead Mans Shoes, which has enjoyed some rave reviews.

Sam said: "I suppose I have learnt a lot from my family, as all my brothers and sisters have their own personalities, and use experiences which have happened in my life to help me become Chesney and make him real to life.

"I think that's why people like Chesney so much, because they can relate to him.

"I many ways I'm like Chesney, I'm just a typical 11-year-old.

"I would like to spend my whole career at Coronation Street but who knows what will happen. I have signed another year's contract so I'm going to be there for at least that amount of time."

Taking time out from school to spend days filming may sound like a dream come true but in the real world life can be tough for Sam.

He said: "When I'm filming, which can be one day, one week and every day the next, my chaperone, Jennifer Elizabeth Fallows, picks me up at 6am. I hate getting up in the mornings and I'm always late.

"My dad goes mad at me, but me being me I always have an answer.

"When you're filming it can be a long day because between takes I have a private tutor along with the other young actors, including David Fleshman (David Platt), Jack Shepherd (Craig Harris), Helen Flannigan (Rosie Webster) and Brook Vincent (Sophie Webster).

"We do all the same work that we do at school, so I don't miss out, and my school friends don't treat me any differently."

As a keen sportsman, Sam loves playing golf and is hoping to get into the school badminton team at Haslingden High.

"I love playing golf at Bacup Golf Club. My handicap is 40 at the moment but I'm hoping to get that down. I'd love to be a professional but I don't think I'd ever be good enough."

Sam is set to take his acting carer to the next level when he takes part in the musical Oliver in aid of Children In Need. He's playing the lead role which is to be filmed at Granada Studios, Manchester, today.

But he's also taking part in his school performance Grease - settling for just a part of the chorus. He added: "I can't sing at all, so that's one avenue that I don't think I'll ever be taking!"