Notable actor Richard Fleeshman and his partner Celinde Schoenmaker have joyfully announced they are expecting their first child, nearly two decades after Fleeshman departed the renowned opera, Coronation Street.
The 35-year-old actor is principally recognised for his character Craig Harris in Coronation Street, from 2002 until 2006. Throughout his time on the iconic ITV soap, he was also emerging as a musician, even supporting the legendary artist Sir Elton John on his Summer stadium tour in 2008.
Fleeshman has kept a relatively subtle presence following his departure from the soap, although he has consistently maintained his acting credentials with numerous stage appearances, a part in Netflix’s ‘The Sandman’ in 2022, and another role in Syfy’s ‘The Ark’.
In 2022, Fleeshman announced his engagement to Schoenmaker via Instagram, the post was captioned, “Went to Africa with my girl. I’ll be heading home with a fiancee. Couldn’t be happier”. The pair have now taken the subsequent step in their relationship as they happily anticipate the arrival of their baby.
On Sunday, August 4, Fleeshman reposted a video revealing his partner’s noticeably growing baby bump. The moving imagery, which was initially shared on Instagram by the Dutch actress, was captioned, “We’ve not met you yet, but never been more in love. I don’t think Luna (the cat) realises she’s not going to be the cutest in the household for much longer. @rfleeshman so many new adventures ahead.”
The captivating video has garnered over 7,000 likes, with Celinde sharing screen time with their pet cat, Luna. The actress is shown walking toward a window, allowing the subdued light into the room and her burgeoning belly is unmistakable. Many celebrities joined in to congratulate the couple, including renowned Irish TV presenter Laura Whitmore and former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher.
Giovanna Fletcher, esteemed podcaster and writer, commented, “I love this for you all,” while theatrical star Carrie Hope Fletcher rapturously told Schoenmaker, “What a journey you’re about to embark upon! Motherhood already suits you so well. Love you!”
In a subsequent post shared on her Instagram story, the ecstatic mother-to-be expressed gratitude for the surge of well-wishing messages, stating, “Thank you for all your gorgeous messages, our hearts are completely overflowing and we feel so lucky to have such amazing people in our lives.”
