SOAPSTAR-TURNED-POPSTAR RICHARD FLEESHMAN HAS A LOUNGE THAT’S LIKE A RECORDING STUDIO

Richard Fleeshman is a noisy neighbour.

When he’s not jamming on his guitars – he has 12 – or hammering away on his keyboard, he’s playing on his favourite PlayStation 3 game, Guitar Hero.

It’s this passion for music that has catapulted him from a floppy-haired soapstar to a music heart-throb who has just finished his UK tour and is now on the road with none other than Elton John.

After spending the last few months living in a tour bus, it’s not surprising the 19 year old, who played Craig Harris in Coronation Street and won Soapstar Superstar in 2006, loves nothing better than chilling out in his minimalist west London flat.

“I love my lounge. I’m always writing music in here – I just hope my neighbours don’t mind,” he laughs.

“Because I’m away so much it’s a treat to be in one place for more than a night.

"It’s calm and quiet, which is what I need after the noise and excitement of performing.”

Before moving to London last year Richard lived in his hometown of Manchester with his actor parents, David Fleeshman and Sue Jenkins, who both starred in Corrie too.

“I wanted a London base. I had a flat in north London for a while, but I didn’t like living on my own, so when my friend Sarah, who’s a violinist, found this place in Chiswick, she asked me to share it with her,” says Richard.

“The flat’s in a cool location with loads of bars and restaurants nearby. It even has a heated swimming pool and barbecue area in the grounds, so I’ve had a few friends round for a party.”

When he’s not entertaining, Richard likes to watch his huge flat-screen TV.

“I’m a real film buff and watch lots of movies on DVD,” he says. “I’m into cookery shows too, especially now I’ve started using my kitchen more, but mainly I play Guitar Hero – I’m addicted to it!”

Richard’s next single, Back Here, is out tomorrow. He is currently touring with Elton John’s Red Piano Tour.

 

1. KEYBOARD “I bought this keyboard for £3,500, which is a lot of money, but I use it when I’m writing songs and performing.”

2. FUTON “My sister Emily bought this from Ikea, but she’s gone travelling so I nicked it.”

3. PAINTING “This was painted by my friend Jake, who gave it to me as a present. He calls it ‘Two Faces’.”

4. CANDLES “My flatmate Sarah bought these. They’re a bit girlie for me!”

 

RICHARD'S STYLE TIPS

* Cluttered rooms look smaller, so tidy what you can away.
* Dimmer lights are perfect for matching your mood and creating atmosphere.
* Use light-coloured paints and woods to keep the décor bright and clean.

 

Words: Vicki Grimshaw. Photography: Jamie Hughes. Grooming: Oonagh Connor at Joy Goodman. Compiled by: Sally Gillam

 

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