Coronation Street's Craig Tinker actor Colson Smith has overcome some huge obstacles to compete in ITV's The Games.
The programme sees celebrities compete in a series of athletic events after undergoing 12 weeks of gruelling training. The 12 familiar faces will go head-to-head in a range of sporting challenges, across a week of live shows amidst fierce competition.
Hosted by Holly Willoughby and Freddie Flintoff, the show sees contestants pulled out of their comfort zones to be coached as athletes, swimmers and cyclists, to compete in the hope of coming top of the medals table and being crowned the winner of the competition.
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Colson, 23, told ex Corrie star Ryan Thomas - who is also competing on the show - that he has lost around 10 stone in just two years. During Monday's episode, the actor told viewers: "I've always been the fat kid. I started running in lockdown.
"A side effect of it was I lost weight. This competition is gonna be me versus me."
Tuesday's episode saw the star confess he hadn't been able to swim until February of this year. Just a few months later, during the show, Colson raced against other contestants in a 50m freestyle.
Colson came last out of the six men who competed. But he was pleased as he managed to finish the race in less than a minute.
Fellow Corrie stars rushed to support their friend. Sally Ann Matthews, who plays Jenny Connor said: "Ryan and Colson hugging has done me in. Sooo proud of those boys x". George actor Tony Mawdsley said: "So full of admiration for @colsonsmith knocking it out of the park for Weatherfield in #TheGames on @itv at 9pm every night this week! COME ON COLSON!!!!!"
Fans were also quick to praise him. Tina said: "Absolutely love Colson doing this for HIMSELF." Mhairi said: "Not even ashamed to say he's had me crying there, good luck to the lad".
Sean said: "Colson Smith may have come last, but the fact that he even managed to do that despite previously not being able to swim makes him a winner." Nancy McGowan said: "Colson is the new nation's sweetheart I don't care what you say".
The Games continues at 9pm on Wednesday on ITV and the ITV Hub
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