Coronation Street fans have been left gobsmacked as they’ve spotted a former actor on the soap in a rather risqué role that’s a far cry from his days on the cobbles.

Richard Fleeshman made his soap debut as Craig Harris back in 2002, alongside his on-screen family, the Harrises, which included dad Tommy Harris (Thomas Craig), mum Angela Harris (Kathryn Hunt) and sister Katy (Lucy-Jo Hudson).

The family arrived in Weatherfield under a witness protection programme and it wasn’t long before they were stirring up trouble. Teenager Craig was at the heart of some gripping storylines during his time on the show.

In a shocking turn of events in 2005, Craig lost his entire family when his sister Katy killed their father Tommy in a fit of rage, with their mother Angela taking the fall. Overwhelmed by guilt, Katy later took her own life.

Corrie
Richard joined the soap over 20 years ago

Craig also had a romantic storyline with Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan), becoming her first boyfriend. There were even plans for Craig and Rosie to elope to Berlin, reports the Daily Star.

However, in 2006, Craig ended up leaving Weatherfield solo, bidding farewell to the cobbles. Since then, Richard has kept himself busy with roles in popular shows like Call the Midwife and Death in Paradise.

The actor was once best known as Rosie Webster's ex-boyfriend Craig Harris on Coronation Street
He was last seen in 2006 (Image: ITV)

But it’s his latest role in the BBC’s Riot Women that’s got tongues wagging. Richard portrays Jojo in the new comedy-drama series, which centres around five women who unexpectedly form a punk rock band.

Written by renowned writer Sally Wainwright, known for her work on Happy Valley and Gentleman Jack, the six-part drama aired earlier this week.

It’s safe to say Richard’s character in Riot Women is a world away from the part he portrayed on Coronation Street that catapulted him to stardom years ago.

BBC
The actor’s racy role got people talking

In the third episode, actor Richard bared all by stripping completely naked before preparing to romp with one of the lead characters, Holly, played by Tamsin Greig.

Fans have expressed their astonishment at Richard’s saucy new role. On a Coronation Street Facebook fan page, alongside images of him from the programme, one viewer commented: “Blimey, little Craig Harris has certainly blossomed, hasn’t he?

“Let’s just say he had quite the risqué request for one of the Riot Women! (If you’re curious, check out Episode 3 on BBC iPlayer).” Another remarked: “Bloody hell.”

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX