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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Katherine Heslop

Coronation Street's Richard Fleeshman announces engagement after romantic sunset proposal

Corrie star Richard Fleeshman, known for his role as Craig Harris, has announced he is engaged, after popping the question to Celinde Schoenmaker during a trip to Africa.

The TV star, 32, announced the happy news on Instagram, revealing he asked his longterm partner Celinde, 33, for her hand earlier this week.

Richard, who played Craig from the age of 12 to 16, wrote: “Went to Africa with my girl. I’ll be heading home with a fiancée. Couldn’t be happier.”

He also posted a beautiful snap of the pair in silhouette while on holiday, with the sunset in the background.

Richard's celeb friends were quick to congratulate the pair, with former TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh writing: "Yay!!!!! Congratulations you beautiful humans," followed by a line of love hearts.

His former Corrie co-star and Hollyoaks actress Nikki Sanderson commented: "Congratulations", with two love hearts, while podcaster Giovanna Fletcher said: "YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!! Best news ever and I’m so so so happy for you both!!!!!! Xxx".

Soap stars Catherine Tyldsley and Jessamy Stoddart also offered their 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!

Richard and Celinde met in 2018 and the lovebirds are now engaged (Dave Benett/Getty Images)
The pair at The Olivier Awards in 2019 (WireImage)

"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 and Celinde, who has appeared in the Elton John movie Rocketman, started dating in 2018.

The Corrie star is the son of actor and director David Fleeshman and former Coronation Street and Brookside actress Sue Jenkins.

Richard played Helen Flanagan’s on-screen boyfriend, and he first walked onto the cobbles in 2002.

Richard was just 12-years-old when he first appeared on screens across the UK as Rosie Webster’s troublesome yet loveable boyfriend.

Richard as Craig Harris, with co-star Helen Flanagan, who played Rosie Webster (ITV)
The theatre star certainly looks very different, when compared to his Corrie days (rfleeshman/Instagram)

Following on from his Corrie exit, the talented star went on to pursue his dreams of being a West End star.

Richard proved his incredible acting skills when he bagged a highly-sought after supporting role in Legally Blonde and another lead role in Ghost: The Musical and Urinetown.

Back in 2003, Richard was the youngest person ever to win the Stars In Their Eyes celebrity special when he was just 13-years-old.

After his Corrie and West End debut, the star took a break from acting and decided to dedicate his full attention to his love of making music which led him to tour alongside Sir Elton John in 2008.

After the incredible success of the tour, Elton graciously asked Richard to accompany him again – not once, but twice.

Though he left Coronation Street over 15-years-ago, Richard is still the best of friends with fellow Corrie star Ryan Thomas, who is the partner of Lucy Mecklenburgh.

The pair often share snaps of themselves on nights out, and most recently Ryan shared a gushing birthday tribute to his pal.

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