A standard-class single ticket from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston normally costs more than £70 off-peak. But former Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan has sparked outrage after blagging a ride without paying.

Virgin Trains allowed her to make the journey free of charge because her card got declined while she was attempting to buy a ticket.

The company recognised Flanagan as a celebrity and took pity on her, allowing her to pay later after leaving her name and address.

However, the act of kindness didn't go down well with other passengers and they deemed it an "unfair" move.

One told The Sun: "If any normal person couldn't pay for a ticket there's no way they would be let on the train."

Another said: "Why should she get to travel for free just because she's famous? And she's loaded."

The 23-year-old star, who was en route to a TV appearance in the capital, later took to Twitter to thank Virgin for allowing her to continue her journey.