Coronation Street star Colson Smith couldn't quite believe what he saw while out on a run in Greater Manchester - so he took to social media to tell his followers about it. Many fans of the actor, who plays Craig Tinker in the ITV soap, know he is a keen runner and gym-goer.
Colson. who is reported to have lost 10 stone, underwent a major life and body overhaul during lockdown. He has previously said he weighed 140kg before he discovered a love for running, with him now regularly documenting his runs and gym visits on social media.
But the 23-year-old's latest trip pounding the pavements came with a shock as he encountered a snake on the streets of Trafford. Sharing a video to his Instagram Story, the Corrie co-star could still be seen in his running gear - a grey t-shirt and matching jacket with a snap-back hat - back at home in his flat.
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"Right, so Iv'e just been for a run," he started with sweat from his run visible on his clothes. "Let me paint the picture. Trafford Industrial," he said as he turned the camera to show the view from his window, indicating where he had just been out. "I'm not talking about a glamourous location. I'm talking about this here."
He went on: "Running round, minding my own business, what do I see?," and, as a swear word is bleeped out, he confirms it was a snake. "A bright orange snake. S**t you not, I've s**t myself. I'm in the middle of the road, there is a snake there. I do not have a clue what to do." Clearly still in disbelief, Colson continues: "Why? Why is there a bright orange snake in Trafford Industrial. It had spots on!"
The video then ended before screenshot appeared of Colson clearly enquiring about his findings with his family who shared an article link about someone else being shocked to find a 6ft snake by a canal. "It seems the snake is a regular round these parts," he wrote. But he definitely wasn't over it.
Returning later as he tried to relax with a bit of gaming, he posted a photo to his page and wrote: "A good few hours later and I'm still not over encountering a snake mid run in Manchester."
Colson, who would drink around five pints of fizzy drinks a day before his epic weight loss, was applauded earlier this year as he took part in The Games on ITV. He won the hearts of viewers as they've watched him go up against five other male celebs in a series of sporting events.
He went head-to-head with former Corrie star Ryan Thomas, The Wanted's Max George, Love Island's Wes Nelson, Harry Potter actor Josh Herdman, and ex-Strictly Come Dancing pro Kevin Clifton in a week of events that included everything from swimming to speed climbing before a final winner was chosen.
And Colson won the admiration of viewers when he took part in the Men's 50m Freestyle at the London Aquatics Centre. Prior to taking to the pool, it was revealed in the VT that he had only learnt to swim a matter of weeks ago while training for the show. But despite coming last in the race, he quickly became a favourite as not only did he only learn to swim a matter of weeks ago, he also shaved an impressive 10 seconds off his best time, completing the race in 47.71 seconds.
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