In a revelation that has completely stunned longtime Coronation Street fans, it has come to light that two of the soap’s memorable stars share a special off-screen connection—

they’re actually mother and son in real life! This behind-the-scenes truth has sparked waves of astonishment across social media, leaving viewers reeling over how they missed such a jaw-dropping fact.

The ITV juggernaut, known for its generations-spanning cast and intimate family dramas, has occasionally blurred the lines between fiction and reality. Over the years,

Corrie has featured numerous familial connections on the show. From cousins Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster) and Ellie Leach (Faye Windass) to real-life siblings and partners behind the scenes, the show’s iconic cobbles have seen more than their fair share of familial bonds.

But few were prepared to discover that two stars, who each left their own distinct mark on the soap in different eras, are connected by blood. The revelation? Coronation Street alum Sue Jenkins, who played the unforgettable Gloria Todd in the mid-1980s, is the real-life mother of Richard Fleeshman, who portrayed teen heartthrob Craig Harris in the early 2000s.

A Barmaid With Bite: Sue Jenkins as Gloria Todd

Let’s rewind to 1985. Sue Jenkins burst onto Coronation Street as Gloria Todd, a smart and stylish new barmaid behind the counter of the Rover’s Return Inn. Audiences quickly warmed to Gloria’s charm, wit, and strong personality, and Jenkins became a household name. Sharing scenes with the legendary Julie Goodyear, who portrayed the indomitable landlady Bet Lynch, Sue Jenkins’ Gloria became an integral part of the soap’s bustling pub atmosphere.

Gloria’s presence behind the bar at the Rover’s marked a memorable chapter in the show’s history. Jenkins’ performance added a layer of complexity to the barmaid archetype—bringing equal parts sass and heart. Her run on the show may have been relatively short-lived, but it was certainly impactful, and she remains fondly remembered by longtime fans.

Outside of Coronation Street, Sue Jenkins went on to star in Channel 4’s Brookside, where she played Jackie Corkhill from 1992 to 2001. Her portrayal of Jackie—another layered, emotional role—cemented her reputation as one of British television’s most gifted character actresses. Jenkins also appeared in Emmerdale in 2008 as Bonnie Drinkwater, further expanding her soap legacy.

But what many fans didn’t know was that Sue Jenkins was quietly raising a future Corrie star of her own—her son, Richard Fleeshman.

Enter the Next Generation: Richard Fleeshman as Craig Harris

Fast forward to 2002, when a new family arrived in Weatherfield under mysterious circumstances. Richard Fleeshman joined Coronation Street as Craig Harris, part of the Harris family introduced as residents in witness protection. While originally written as a side character, Craig quickly became central to one of the most gripping teen arcs of the decade.

Craig’s storyline took Coronation Street viewers through some truly dark territory. Embracing a goth persona, Craig clashed with his father over his appearance and relationship choices—particularly his romance with Rosie Webster (played by Helen Flanagan), the rebellious daughter of Kevin and Sally Webster.

The drama intensified when Craig’s sister, Katie Harris, fatally attacked their father, Tommy Harris, in the wake of a turbulent argument surrounding her relationship with Martin Platt. Their mother Angela, desperate to protect her daughter, tried to cover up the crime. However, the truth eventually surfaced, and in a tragic turn of events, Katie took her own life, unable to bear the guilt.

Richard’s portrayal of Craig throughout this turbulent storyline earned widespread praise. His performance was a masterclass in emotional vulnerability, capturing a teenager grappling with trauma, loyalty, and loss. After a heartfelt attempt to escape with Rosie to Berlin, Craig eventually left Weatherfield in 2006, saying a bittersweet goodbye to the only home he’d ever known.

The Stunning Reveal That Set Social Media Ablaze

Though Craig Harris and Gloria Todd never crossed paths on the cobbles—their eras were nearly two decades apart—eagle-eyed fans recently connected the dots and unearthed the incredible real-life link between the actors. It was Sue Jenkins herself who had unknowingly paved the way for her son’s future soap stardom.

The revelation broke on social media when a fan posted about Sue Jenkins’ classic Coronation Street role. Another fan quickly replied, “That’s Richard Fleeshman’s mom!” Within hours, the discovery went viral among Corrie devotees.

“Wow, all this time watching and I never knew that!” one stunned fan tweeted. “I can totally see the resemblance now!”

“Her real-life son played Craig Harris—son of Psycho Tommy,” another added, referencing one of the show’s most infamous characters.

The shock of the revelation was only matched by fans’ delight in the discovery. Many admitted to being longtime viewers who never made the connection despite watching both actors during their respective runs. The familial resemblance, now obvious to many, had somehow flown under the radar for years.

A Family Legacy in British Soaps

Richard Fleeshman, like his mother, has gone on to forge an impressive career beyond the cobbles. After leaving Coronation Street, he transitioned into a successful musical theatre career, starring in Ghost: The Musical, Legally Blonde, and Company in London’s West End and on Broadway. With a powerhouse voice and stage charisma, he’s proven that talent runs deep in the Jenkins-Fleeshman family.

As for Sue Jenkins, her continued appearances in stage and television productions, including Heartbeat, Holby City, and Doctors, reflect a lifelong dedication to her craft. She remains a respected figure in British television—one who not only graced the nation’s most famous pub but also raised one of its most memorable young stars.

More Surprises in Store?

This surprise family connection is a reminder of the many hidden stories that Coronation Street continues to generate, even decades after the episodes air. As the show marches toward its seventh decade, fans are once again reminded of the intricate web of characters—both fictional and real—that makes Corrie such an enduring favorite.

It’s also a testament to how Coronation Street doesn’t just tell stories—it builds legacies. And in the case of Sue Jenkins and Richard Fleeshman, those legacies span generations, capturing hearts with every dramatic twist and heartfelt goodbye.