Corrie star Colson Smith has revealed he never learnt to swim as he was too self-conscious about his weight at school.
The actor is best known for playing police officer Craig Tinker in Coronation Street, but he’s recently starred in ITV’s new sports show, The Games.
The gruelling gameshow, hosted by Holly Willoughby and Freddie Flintoff, sees 12 celebs battle it out in various sporting events, from track athletics races and hammer-throws to swimming.
But Colson confirmed on the show that he only learnt to swim five weeks ago in a bid to prepare himself for the series.
Colson has shed a whopping 10 stone after discovering a love for running – and he’s been open with fans about his inspiring weight loss journey on social media.
(Image: Michael Zemanek/REX/Shutterstock)
And on Tuesday night (May 10), he revealed that he only learnt to swim five weeks ago – putting him at a major disadvantage compared to his fellow competitors.
Colson finished in last place during the TV race but he was delighted to complete his swim in under a minute and beat his personal best.
He came in with a time of 47.71 seconds, which was just 15 seconds behind Love Island star winner Wes Nelson.
(Image: Michael Zemanek/REX/Shutterstock)
Speaking to host Alex Scott, Colson said: “I’m buzzing. I must be one of the happiest people to come last in an event. For me that’s massive, it’s 10 seconds quicker than what I did in the last training!”
The Corrie regular earned the biggest cheer from the crowd and presenter Yung Filly hailed him as his own personal winner from the event.
ITV viewers were over the moon for Colson after his swimming success – especially given he only learned to swim 5 weeks ago.
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
One wrote: “@colsonsmith what a star!! Definitely a winner in the swimming race when 5 weeks ago he couldn’t swim and now he’s just smashed his PB! His smile at the end just summed it up #TheGames”.
A second said: “YES! @colsonsmith you absolutely smashed that swim, congratulations to you! You should be incredibly proud of yourself! #TheGames”.
A third agreed: “Loses 10 stone, learns to swim 5 weeks ago..smashes it in 47 seconds #TheGames #underdog.”
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A fourth added: “Colson getting 47.7 in the swimming race when he couldn’t even swim 5 weeks ago shows with enough work and so much heart u can achieve anything”.
The Wanted singer Max George finishing as runner-up despite sustaining a nasty ear injury earlier in the competition.
Max confirmed on Tuesday that he had suffered a perforated eardrum during Monday’s show but reassured fans he was fine.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
