From Hollywood to Hastings: 'We’ve absolutely fallen in love with this area' - actor runs half marathon for stroke charity
An actor has told of his ‘absolute joy’ of running in the Hastings Half Marathon.
Emrhys Cooper, 41, has relocated back to the UK, having spent 15 years living and working in America.
He has appeared in films such as Mamma Mia and the Emmy-nominated drama Series Vanity in which he stars alongside Denise Richards and Karrueche Tran.
He also played cult leader Rowan Cunliffe on the iconic soap opera Coronation Street.
He loved taking part in the Hastings Half Marathon at the weekend. He said: "It was an incredible day - those hills certainly made sure of that! But what really stood out was the sense of community and support along the route.”
He added: "My husband and I moved to Icklesham last August after I relocated back to the UK, having spent the past 15 years living and working in the US.
"I returned for a role on Coronation Street in 2024, and after that year, we realised we wanted a different pace of life - somewhere by the sea, surrounded by countryside - and we’ve absolutely fallen in love with this area.
"Since moving here, my Sunday long runs have become a real ritual: running from Hastings to Bexhill and back along the seafront. Watching the seasons change, the light over the water, and being greeted by so many friendly faces has been incredibly grounding, and a big part of why this place now feels like home.
"Two years ago, after getting sober from alcohol, I discovered a love for endurance training. It’s completely transformed my life, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too, and it’s also given me a way to give back.
"I’m currently training for the London Marathon in support of the Stroke Association.
"This cause is deeply personal to me. I was running for my amazing mother, who suffered a devastating stroke in 2020, and for everyone who has been affected by stroke. The strength she has shown, and the impact it has had on our family, continues to inspire me every day and fuels my determination to raise both awareness and funds.
"Creatively, the move has also been a gift. It’s given me space to write and develop new projects, and we’re currently hoping to shoot a film locally in the not too distant future. Last summer, I filmed a horror feature called The Nice Ones in Faversham, and was even able to commute from here, which made the experience all the more special."