Coronation Street's Ellie Leach sends sweet message to co-star Colson Smith as he makes Strictly prediction

Corrie star Colson Smith has been showered with messages from his Coronation Street co-stars as he celebrates his 25th birthday this weekend.

Soap star Ellie Leach, who was this week announced as a contestant for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing, was among the famous faces taking to Instagram to send their birthday wishes to Colson, who is known for playing Craig Tinker in the ITV soap.

Ellie, who played his girlfriend Faye Windass until her exit in May, posted a sweet snap of Colson with his arm around her, writing alongside it: "happy birthday to my bestie boo, love you lots, hope you have the best day ever."

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Reposting it on his own Story, Colson joked: "Can't wait to watch you win Strictly doing the Macarena."

Sally Ann Matthews, who plays Jenny Bradley in Corrie, also posted a photo of herself with the birthday boy taken last year when the pair attended the British Soap Awards together. In the photo, Sally was dressed up in royal blue as she posed alongside Colson, who paired a chequered navy blazer with grey trousers and some white trainers.

"Happy birthday @colsonjsmith," she typed alongside it. "Have a brilliant day, Love Grandma x P.s. We need a new picture."

Bethany Platt actress Lucy Fallon posted an image of the two soap stars at work as they appeared in a scene together. In the image, her character Bethany could be seen being comforted by Craig on the sofa as she looked upset. Lucy wrote alongside the picture: "Happy birthday, can I have a hug x"

Corrie youngster Paddy Bever, who plays Max Turner, also sent a birthday message to Colson, posting a picture of the pair of them together on his Instagram