From Coronation Street to Death in Paradise: The Journey of Craig Harris Actor
The iconic cobbles of Coronation Street have witnessed countless dramatic storylines and memorable characters throughout its long history. Among the many families who have called Weatherfield home, the Harris clan made a particularly significant impact during their time on the nation's favourite soap opera.
The Harris Family's Turbulent Time on the Cobbles
The Harris family arrived on Coronation Street in November 2002 under dramatic circumstances. Consisting of father Tommy Harris, portrayed by Thomas Craig, mother Angela Harris played by Kathryn Hunt, and their children Craig and Katy, the family entered the street using the assumed surname 'Nelson' as part of a witness protection programme.
Their cover was soon blown, however, in true soap opera fashion, with Andy and Nick Morgan - who had been pursuing the family - ultimately being arrested by police. Following this resolution, the family resumed using their genuine surname, Harris, in 2003, reclaiming their true identities after the criminals responsible for their situation were imprisoned.
Tragedy and Departure
The family's story took several tragic turns in subsequent years. In 2005, Craig Harris, played by Richard Fleeshman, experienced devastating losses when his sister Katy killed their father Tommy in a moment of rage. Their mother Angela accepted responsibility for the crime, and consumed by remorse, Katy subsequently ended her own life.
In the aftermath of these events, Craig went to live with his grandfather, Keith Appleyard, and began a romance with Rosie Webster on the cobbles. The couple notably adopted a goth lifestyle during their relationship, and despite his grandfather's departure from the street, Craig remained to preserve his connection with Rosie.
The young couple's relationship reached a turning point in 2006 when they planned to run away to Berlin together. Rosie got cold feet at the last minute, however, leaving Craig to embark on the German adventure alone, which marked the conclusion of his Coronation Street journey.
Richard Fleeshman's Impressive Post-Coronation Street Career
Since departing Coronation Street, Richard Fleeshman has built an impressive and varied career across multiple entertainment mediums. The actor has established himself as a significant presence in theatre, making his mark on both the West End and Broadway stages.
His theatrical credits include starring roles in productions such as Legally Blonde and Ghost, demonstrating his versatility as a performer. Beyond the stage, Fleeshman has also pursued musical endeavours, releasing his debut solo album, Neon, in 2007.
In recent years, the actor has taken on several notable television roles that have showcased his range. He appeared in the recurring role of Ken in Netflix's acclaimed adaptation of The Sandman in 2022, and has been portraying James Brice on Syfy's science fiction series The Ark since 2023.
Other significant television appearances include his role as Taylor Fielding in Death In Paradise in 2024 and his portrayal of JoJo in Riot Women. These diverse roles highlight Fleeshman's ability to transition between different genres and formats successfully.
Acting in the Blood
Born to actor parents, Richard Fleeshman seems to have been destined for a career in the spotlight. His mother, Sue Jenkins, is known for her roles as Jackie Corkhill in Brookside, Gloria Todd in Coronation Street from 1985 until 1988, and Bonnie Drinkwater in Emmerdale in 2008.
His father, David Fleeshman, has similarly enjoyed a varied acting career. He played Mr Soames in EastEnders in 1995 and has portrayed various characters in Emmerdale over the years, including Rupert Jonas, DI Drake and John Widnes. More recently, he appeared in It's A Sin in 2021 and The Teacher as Roger in 2022.
Now 36 years old, Richard Fleeshman continues to build upon his already impressive body of work, demonstrating that his early success on Coronation Street was just the beginning of what has become a substantial and varied career in the entertainment industry.
