GOOD NEWS FOR CORRIE BOSSES

There had been worries down at Granada that Richard Fleeshaman, Craig in the series, might be tempted by his success in their karaoke soap actor series Soapstar Superstar to throw in a life on the cobbles and try his luck as a singer. (It says a lot about the lack of thinking things through at ITV at the moment that they practically force their key celebrities into a position where they'll be given singing contracts and taken away from their shows.)

However, they have got some factors on their side. First, if Richard announces that he's quitting to become a popstar, they can always say "Ooh, of course, like that Adam thingy who played Gail's son."

Then, they can take comfort that Anthony Costas what was in Blue is trying to take control of Richard's music career. And, judging by what a great success he's having with his solo career, Fleeshman'll be back outside Weatherfield within the month, begging for any storyline: "I'll even kiss Blanche..."

Finally, of course, they can ask him what other job will give him the chance to prance around naked in front of Rosie Webster and three quarters of the marriageable people of Britain.

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