Richard Fleeshman played the part of Craig Harris in Coronation Street. His singing career got of to a start when he then won the final of Soapstar Superstar. Richard impressed judges and the British public, beating Corrie co-star Andy Whyment (Kirk Sutherland in Coronation Street), in the finale. The show at one point attracted 12 million viewers.

By winning the contest, Richard secured 50,000 pounds for his chosen charity the Kirsty Appeal, which supports a children's hospice. ITV then doubled the cash to 100,000 pounds.

Richard was always a firm favourite with Soapstar Superstar judge Cilla Black and his cute boyband looks, singing voice and modesty made him a hit with the British public too. Richard reportedly turned down several record deals after winning 'Soapstar Superstar' because he wanted to write his own songs before recording an album.

Other contestants in the series were...Nicholas Bailey (Dr Antony Trueman in EastEnders), Michael Greco (Beppe di Marco in EastEnders), Shobna Gulati (Sunita Alahan in Coronation Street), Lee Otway (Bombhead in Hollyoaks), Roxanne Pallett (Jo Stiles in Emmerdale), Lucy Pargeter (Chastity Dingle in Emmerdale), Wendi Peters (Cilla Battersby-Brown in Coronation Street), Sammy Winward (Katie Sugden in Emmerdale).

Richard Fleeshman is available for personal appearances.

Richard won the 'Sexiest Male' award at the British Soap Awards in May 2006 and is now taking a break from Corrie. It might be a long one because Richard has spent the best part of twelve months recording the album which he talked about after Soapstar.

The album is called NEON and it was released in November 2007. It has already been featured as album of the week on Ken Bruce's BBC Radio 2 morning show. and the first single 'Coming Down' is expected to top the charts.

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Richard Fleeshman's Hold Me Close Video