Coronation Street's devastating tram crash was so realistic that several people called a travel advice line to check if the real Metrolink was still operating.

At least six calls were made about the tram system by passengers saying they had seen the carnage on television and wanted to check if there was a problem.

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive said none of the calls were from people panicking or in distress. But she said ‘half a dozen calls’ had been received from people asking if services were affected.

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It is thought a spoof TV news broadcast after the show – watched by more than 14m viewers – may also have confused some people.

Actor Tom Burroughs, who played the part of the tram driver who actually survives the carnage, has told how it was an honour and dream job to be involved in the historic scenes.

Tom, 32, said: “I didn’t get my script until my first day of filming. It was funny because some of the cast were looking at me and asking me what I could tell them. It felt like shooting a film. It’s an honour to be a part of it.

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“It really has been a dream come true for me.” Tom, who studied performing arts at Southport College, had auditioned for a couple of lead parts earlier in the year and was later approached for this part.

And he revealed it is not the first time he has graced the cobbles. He said: “I did Coronation Street in 2007 and I played a nurse when Leanne Battersby was kidnapped but it was a very brief appearance. It was very different this time.

“When I walked on the street for the first time and saw where everybody lived and the Rovers Return it was fantastic.

“I’ve met quite a lot of the regular cast, they are amazing people and there is a real sense of being part of a big family.”