Coronation Street's Simon Gregson has shared his heartache over his teenage son's dream of becoming a professional footballer.

The actor, who plays Steve McDonald in the ITV soap, posted a touching photo of his eldest son Alfie, 16, sitting on his football in the dark while checking his phone.

He captioned the snap: "My boy since 4 yrs old dreaming of playing football for a living. [He] plays for three teams trains every day and night and no one has seen him my heart breaks every day." (sic)

Simon's post was met with an outpouring of support from other parents who are going through or have been through a similar situation.

One fan commented: "Ian Wright wasn't spotted until he was 21. Never give up hope," while another added: "Feel the same as you. My lad is so talented age 17, plays for 2 teams, trains, runs, goes to gym to keep fitness levels up such a hard job to get scouted now a days. best of luck to your boy."

"He'll be recognised for his skills and talent, no doubt, until then I really hope he's enjoying every second of the process. Cause that's the part that matters," another fan shared. "It's hard but he's got a great attitude so it will pay off he just needs that one break," a fourth chimed in.

Simon has been happily married to his wife Emma since November 2010. They tied the knot surrounded by their loved ones at St Bartholomew's church in Wilmslow.

His best man was none other than his fellow Coronation Street star and close mate Craig Charles, who played Lloyd Mullaney in the ITV soap from 2005 to 2015.

Simon, who recently acted as Best Man at his on-screen dad Charlie Lawson's wedding, previously opened up about the "hell" he experienced when he first joined Coronation Street, admitting he would hate to see his eldest son go through the same thing.

He confessed that the initial reaction to his character wasn't entirely positive, which took a toll on his mental health.

"Alfie is 15 now. If Alfie went through a tenth of what I was going through, I wouldn't be able to cope with it for him," he revealed on Irish TV show Livin' With Lucy. "I really don't know why I survived, I really honestly don't."

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