Fleeshman supporting Elton's UK tour

Former Coronation Street actor Richard Fleeshman will support Elton John on his upcoming UK tour, The Mirror reports.

The 19-year-old, who quit the soap in 2006 to become a singer, is thought to be "excited" at the prospect of opening Elton's shows.

"It's probably his best achievement since turning to singer-songwriting," a friend of Fleeshman is quoted as saying.

"He's made no secret he's really excited at linking up with Elton."

Fleeshman played Craig Harris in the ITV soap for four years and won a Stars In Their Eyes celebrity special in 2003. He also won 2006's Soapstar Superstar where he clinched a £100,000 prize for the Kirsty Appeal charity.

He signed a recording contract in 2007 but his two single releases failed to chart in the top 40.

Fleeshman began his own UK tour in Brighton yesterday. His six gigs with John start on June 29 in Swansea.

> Click here for our review of Fleeshman's debut album Neon