Real reason Adolescence star Owen Cooper won't take his Emmy award to school

Adolescence star Owen Cooper won't take his Emmy to school - because he fears it will get pinched.

The teenager, who became the youngest male winner of an acting Emmy award on Sunday night, proudly held the gong at a press conference yesterday. When asked by a reporter if he would be showing the award off to his classmates, Owen said: "This will get robbed in my school. No chance. I am definitely not taking it to school."

Yet fans chuckled on social media, with some pointing out it reminds them Owen is just 15 - and like any other British teenager - despite the resounding praise he and Adolescence has received. One internet user posted: "He seems like a nice grounded boy. I hope he does well in life, whether or not that includes acting." Another shared: "This young man is super special and humble."

And Owen is due back at school in Cheshire this week after flying back from Los Angeles with his parents. He posed with IT worker Andy and Noreen, a carer, following his triumph at the Peacock Theatre's glitzy ceremony on Sunday night.

READ MORE: Adolescence’s Stephen Graham leaves fans ‘in tears’ with heartfelt Emmy Awards speech

READ MORE: Netflix drops first look at 'addictive' mystery thriller with Grey's Anatomy stars

Andy, 45, and 52-year-old Noreen live in the terraced home in Warrington, Cheshire, which they raised their family over the past two decades. Owen's brother Ollie, 21, and 31-year-old half-brother Connor - both electricians - also joined the actor at the event.

Neighbours, meanwhile, stayed up late to watch the glittering ceremony. June Shingler, 77, said she let out a cheer when Owen's name was announced. She said: "We watched it on TV... I was like 'Oh my God, he only lives next door but one.'"

Speaking to the Daily Mail yesterday, she added: "I'm really pleased he has won. I don't think success will change him but I'm hoping he goes on to do other things. Owen is really nice but it is not just him, all the family are nice. His mum and dad have both worked hard.

"They are a lovely family, they really deserve it. At the end of the day all you want is the best for your children. It is marvellous. Everyone is pleased for them. His mum is absolutely wonderful. I am so happy for them. They have brought up a lovely young man. He is very lucky."

Another neighbour Madeline, 79, said: "I'm delighted for him. He is such a lovely boy. I have known him since he was born. He used to call me 'Nan Mad' when his mum brought him over. They are a beautiful family. They are brilliant and he is so well grounded."

Owen played Jamie Miller, an intelligent, outwardly ordinary, teenage boy, accused of murdering a girl in his class in the Netflix drama. Adolescence also won best limited series, as well as prizes for its directing and writing, and acting gongs for Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty.