Richard FleeshmanOK, so we know Richard Fleeshman is only a tender 19 years old.

But the former Corrie star was all cute good looks and laid-back ease when Sky Showbiz caught up with him recently.

Feeling a bit whacked from an ITV bash the night before, Richard was nevertheless on top form as he chatted to us about his transition from soap actor to pop star, ahead of the launch of his debut album Neon.

"I was a 16-year-old kid and I was just in Coronation Sreet and I took part in this charity show and suddenly this whole kind of world opened up," Richard said of his appearance in ITV's Soapstar Superstar in 2006.

"There's been a big change in that respect, but in other respects it's the same. Just last weekend I was back home going to see my parents. I don't think I've changed but maybe the circumstances have changed."

This is a guy who's on the edge of making it big - and has just been personally requested by Elton John to be his opening act on his summer UK tour - and yet he's typically low-key about his growing success.

"I still don't think it's sunk in yet that I'm going to be walking out in front of so many people but also to be involved in a show with someone I've idolised," Richard told us about performing with Elton.

"He's so generous to give me this opportunity, it's just brilliant. It's going to be terrifying. When you've got a world legend on a stage, you've got to hold your own."

Richard also came over all modest when we quizzed him about his sexiest male gong, which he won at the British Soap Awards in 2006 (and which, btw, is totally deserved).Richard and Victoria Silvstedt in 2006

"Oh God, who sees themselves as a sex symbol? That's ridiculous. I suppose it's nice. You just take it with a pinch of salt, don't you? You certainly don't have it on your mantlepiece in pride of place," he said.

"If anything I felt just totally embarrassed. When you're having to go and collect an award from Victoria Silverstedt, this blonde model... I was just panicking. Panic rather than ego-boost, I think."

Richard  joined the cast of Coronation Street at the age of 12 in the role of Craig Harris, and left four years on to pursue a music career.

"I did four brilliant, brilliant years and just had such an amazing time. Maybe not now, but if things were right in the future, if they wanted me to go back and if the timing was right then yes... certainly never say no," he told Sky Showbiz.

Well, we'd be happy to have you back on our telly screens, Rich.