Charlie De Melo has donated his plasma to help coronavirus sufferers.
Charlie De Melo
The 'Coronation Street' actor - who has played Imran Habeeb on the ITV show since 2017 - contracted COVID-19 last year, but didn't even realise at the time, and he's now taking part in an NHS initiative calling for people who have had the respiratory illness to donate their plasma.
In a lengthy Instagram post, he wrote: "Despite my best (continuing) efforts, I had COVID-19 at some point last year. No idea when, where or how. I am extremely fortunate to not even have noticed the dreadful b******.
"@givebloodnhs are looking for people who've had COVID-19 to donate their Plasma to help treat those currently suffering with it.
"If you've had a positive COVID or Antibody Test and you are able to donate blood, please do. You could well be saving somebody's life. It's easy, painless and the staff at Norfolk House in Manchester, where I donate, are absolute gems and will take very good care of you.
"( Its a safe assumption that theyre all just as wonderful up and down the country). Plus they give you Kit Kats and Squash and let's be honest, you could do with a day out, eh? (sic)"
The soap star also revealed the antibody test - which he took "out of curiosity" while waiting for "something else entirely" at the pharmacy - was how he found out he'd had the virus.
He continued: "Had I not been wearing a mask the entire time I was "ill" I could've made someone, if not many seriously ill.
"So do take all the precautions asked of you and more (if possible) even if you feel fine. It's not for you, it's for everyone else. (sic)"