HELP BRING LIGHT WITH MIRROR'S XMAS APPEAL

EastEnders actor Marc's bond with his co-star's son

- BY AMANDA STOCKS

As they laugh together, the bond between courageous Sebby Slater and EastEnders star Marc Elliott is plain to see. To the 12-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, he is simply “Uncle Marc”.

Cerebral palsy is a life-limiting condition caused by changes in the developing brain which disrupt movement control, posture and balance.

Marc has been in the youngster's life since birth - he's best friends with Sebby's mum, actress Ann Wenn.

Marc, 46, made TV history when he became the first openly gay Muslim character in a UK soap, playing Syed Masood, for which he won a British Soap Award. He then went on to star as Dr Isaac Mayfield in Holby City.

The pair met on a production of Dangerous Liaisons in Austria 23 years ago and Ann calls Marc her “rock”.

She says: “Marc has literally been there through everything, not just with Sebby but with the loss of my mum and my sister too. He gives me strength.”

Ann, 52, from Sussex, has appeared in Doctors, Holby City and Inspector Morse, and played Marc's aunt in EastEnders.

The role that gives Marc most joy is being Sebby's Uncle. Today he is backing the Mirror's Christmas appeal in aid of Lifelites.