Coronation Street Craig Harris actor now 19 years after exit and he looks totally different

Coronation Street fans have been left shocked after spotting the soap icon in a raunchy new role

Coronation Street viewers have recognised the actor who portrayed Craig Harris in a fresh and risqué role – and he’s unrecognisable from his days on the cobbles.

Craig (Richard Fleeshman) first graced the soap in 2002 with his family, the Harrises, which included father Tommy Harris (Thomas Craig), mother Angela Harris (Kathryn Hunt) and sister Katy (Lucy-Jo Hudson).

The family arrived in Weatherfield as part of a witness protection scheme – and they quickly stirred up some drama. Moreover, young Craig was central to several dramatic storylines during his tenure.

In 2005, he lost his entire family when sister Katy killed their father Tommy in a rage, and their mother Angela took the fall. Unable to cope with the guilt, Katy later took her own life.

The character also embarked on a romance with Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan) and became her first boyfriend. Craig even plotted to flee to Berlin with Rosie, reports the Daily Star.

However, in 2006, Craig ended up departing alone and bid farewell to the cobbles. Since then, actor Richard has kept himself occupied, featuring in shows like Call the Midwife and Death in Paradise.

But it’s his new role on the BBC’s Riot Women that has got tongues wagging. Richard portrays Jojo in the new comedy drama series, which follows 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 premiered earlier this week.

Richard’s character in Riot Women is a far cry from the role he played on Coronation Street, which catapulted him to fame years ago. In the third episode, Richard bared all before preparing for an intimate scene with one of the main characters, Holly, portrayed by Tamsin Greig.

Fans have expressed their surprise at Richard’s daring new role. On a Coronation Street Facebook fan page, alongside photos of him on the show, one person 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 added: “Bloody hell.”

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