CORONATION Street superfan Craig Laurenson has landed his dream job.

The 25-year-old from Dennistoun is duty manager on the soap’s tour around the UK which means he gets to spend every day knee-deep in the cobbles, costumes and character memorabilia of the UK’s longest running drama show.

“I have watched Corrie since I was tiny – my whole family, parents and grandparents were fans and we used to sit round the telly all together and watch it,” beams Craig.

Read more: Take a look inside the Coronation Street exhibition as the attraction opens in Glasgow

“Even now, my sister and I text each other constantly after each episode. I’m obsessed with it.”

Coronation Street on Tour arrived in Glasgow at the weekend and was an instant, sell-out success. Featuring the original sets from the show, it gives visitors the chance to have a poke around inside the Platt's house, discover the Duckworth’s inner set secrets, and step inside the famous Rovers Return.

Even if you are not a superfan, there is something special about walking through the pub doors, thinking about all the iconic British telly characters in whose footsteps you are following.

Nikki Murray, part of the publicity team helping ITV and Continuum Attractions spread the word about the show, explains: “When the filming of Coronation Street moved from Quay Street in Manchester to Media City, the original sets were opened up to the public for what was supposed to be six months.

Read more: Take a look inside the Coronation Street exhibition as the attraction opens in Glasgow

“But it was so unbelievably popular, in the end it ran for a year and a half, and attracted almost one million visitors.”

She grins: “We are expecting an equally enthusiastic response here in Glasgow. People ask me what the best thing about the tour is and I think it’s the ‘gasps’ you hear when people walk on to the set for the first time. They really are quite emotional about it.”

The sets are housed in a giant, inflatable showdome beside the SECC, prompting much discussion amongst locals, as Nikki explains.

“I’ve been asked if it’s CBBC’s In the Night Garden, or a replica of Bet Lynch's bra, or even if it’s an igloo and Christmas has come already,” she laughs.

“It has – for Coronation Street fans at any rate….”

The tour begins with a ‘virtual’ welcome by fan favourite, Alison King, who plays Carla Connor, before visitors are whisked through the Duckworths’ door to see the rest of Weatherfield.

New to Glasgow is Roy’s Rolls, which was never seen in Manchester, and you can also visit The Kabin newsagent, Street Cars and ring the ‘last orders’ bell in the pub at the end of the day. Some of the original cobbles have even made it on tour, and people have shed a few tears having their photographs taken with them.

Tour guide Josh Currie, who lives in Cathcart, says: “The opening weekend was so busy – completely sold out. It was lovely – people were amazed that these are the actual sets, used by so many of the show’s famous actors.

“There were a few tears, especially outside the Rovers. It means a lot to people who love the show.”

In Manchester, more than 850,000 people travelled from all over the world to walk the famous cobbles and more than 50 proposals took place on the tour. One couple even got married there, tying the knot inside the pub.

“We haven’t had a marriage proposal yet, but quite a few people have booked already for New Year’s Day, so maybe something special will happen,” says Josh.

Ed Sheeran played live there too, and a host of Corrie stars turned up for special events. Organisers are staying tight-lipped about which celebrities might visit Glasgow but fans are advised to keep their eyes open.

Craig Laurenson believes Coronation Street’s appeal lies in its warmth and humour.

“It’s why we all watched it together as a family, when I was young,” says Craig, who grew up on Shetland before moving to Glasgow to study media and communications at Glasgow Caledonian University. “There we were, miles away on a Scottish island, watching these northern English families – it was a different world.

Read more: Take a look inside the Coronation Street exhibition as the attraction opens in Glasgow

“But it was full of warmth and humour and the characters were all so likeable. I think that’s why people love the tour – it’s a chance to share in Coronation Street’s rich history.”

He grins: “It really is my dream job – every day I get to open up the Rovers Return. I have to pinch myself and take a moment to think – wow, I’m actually working on Coronation Street….”

Coronation Street on Tour runs until January 1.