Former Coronation Street star Richard Fleeshman has announced he is engaged after popping the question to girlfriend Celinde Schoenmaker. The actor, who played Craig Harris in the ITV soap, shared the wonderful news on Instagram alongside a stunning image.
Richard, 32, popped the question to his long-term partner, 33, during a spectacular sunset while on safari in Africa. The former soap star, who appeared as Rosie Webster's young love interest in Corrie from the age of 12 to 16, wrote: "Went to Africa with my girl. I’ll be heading home with a fiancée."
He then added that he "couldn’t be happier," as the congratulatory messages came flooding in. Former TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh, who is engaged to Richard's friend Ryan Thomas, commented: "Yay!!!!! Congratulations you beautiful humans," followed by a string of love hearts.
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Former Corrie co-star and Hollyoaks actress Nikki Sanderson wrote: "Congratulations", with two love hearts. Loose Women's Denise Welch said: "Congratulations, OMG!" Podcast host and I'm A Celebrity winner Giovanna Fletcher replied: "YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!! Best news ever and I’m so so so happy for you both!" Actress Catherina Tyldesley also added: "Oh guys! Huuuuuge congratulations!!!!"
Celinde, who is also an actress, also took to Instagram to thank her followers for their messages. Sharing a picture of the pair enjoying champagne in the gorgeous surroundings, she wrote: "WOW! Thank you for all your wonderful messages!
"Really feeling all the love, we’re having the time of our lives. Big love to you all from me and my FIANCÉ! Wooohooooooooooooow!!!"
Richard, who is the son of actor and director David Fleeshman and former Coronation Street and Brookside actress Sue Jenkins, and Celinde, who appeared in the Elton John biopic Rocketman, started dating in 2018.
Viewers will best remember Richard for his role in Coronation Street as teen goth Craig Harris. He made his Weatherfield debut in 2002 as the boyfriend of Rosie, played by Helen Flanagan. The couple were supposed to run away together to Berlin in 2006, but Rosie got cold feet and Craig ended up leaving the famous street alone.
Since his Corrie exit, Richard has turned to singing, even supporting Elton John on tour in 2008. He has also bagged major roles in West End shows such as Legally Blonde, Ghost: The Musical and Urinetown. But he hasn't completely left the TV world. He has also appeared in other television productions, including the Four Weddings and a Funeral TV series, Call The Midwife, Deep Heat, and The Sandman.
Richard recently supported friend and former co-star Ryan Thomas, who starred in Corrie as Jason Grimshaw, on his epic charity challenge that saw him walk from Buckingham Palace to Manchester city centre in ten days. He is also good pals with Ryan's brother's Scott and Adam with him teaming up with the twin siblings for a sing-song.
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