On 3 March 1997, he joined the cast of "Coronation Street" as mechanic Chris Collins and he remained with the series until 29 March 1998. The role earned him 1997 National Television Award for Most Popular Newcomer. Following his departure from "Coronation Street", Marsden decided on a change of direction and a fleeting career as a pop star followed. He signed a £500,000 record deal with Columbia Records and released his debut single in July 1998 called "The Heart's Lone Desire", which reached number 13 in the UK singles chart. He followed with a second single, a cover of Hall & Oates' "She's Gone", with his label-mates Destiny's Child providing backing-vocals, which reached number 24 in the UK singles chart.