Ashley Peacock star Steven Arnold has discussed a potential return to Coronation Street after playing fan favourite character for 15 years on the ITV soap
Steven Arnold played Ashley Peacock in Coronation Street(Image: ITV)
Ashley Peacock star Steven Arnold has opened up about a potential return to Coronation Street. The actor played fan favourite character Ashley for 15 years on the ITV soap.
The Weatherfield butcher charmed viewers with his cheeky chappy look and embarked on two high profile romances during his time on the show, including Maxine, who was murdered by Corrie serial killer Richard Hillman back in 2003, and Claire, who his character tied the knot with in a romantic episode on Christmas Day in 2004.
Ashley was killed off during the tram crash to celebrate 50 years of Coronation Street in 2010 and since leaving Corrie, he has been involved in dozens of acting projects including theatre, TV and films.
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Steven Arnold’s character Ashley Peacock (right) played a butcher in Coronation Street(Image: ITV)
“Working with John Savident, who played my dad, Fred Elliot. He had such a wealth of experience. Even now, when I go into colleges to teach acting, I can hear his words coming through my mouth,” he said of his favourite soap moment.
“He taught me how to act on set, how to give passion to a character. I miss him so much. He was like a father to me. I can’t even begin to explain how much that man taught me. There was not a specific day or moment that stands out to me.”
Whilst he doesn’t have regular contact with the cast now, he says Julia – who played his on-screen wife Claire – regularly comes to his shows and brings her kids and the crew are also in attendance too.
In news that will no doubt disappoint fans, Steve confirmed he would not return to the ITV soap. Soaps recently have brought multiple characters back from the dead including EastEnders ‘ Cindy Beale and Roxy Mitchell as well as, more recently, Emmerdale’s Graham Foster, who made a shock return six years after his on-screen death.
“I wouldn’t return,” he explained, as he revealed why. He added: “Ashley was crushed by this falling beam and it was hanging on chains. We filmed the episode and I went off and had my leaving party.”
Steven previously insisted his character would always have a special place in his heart. Admitting he missed his character from time to time, he explained that Ashley appeared in the other characters he played too.
“He’ll always have a special place in my heart as I played him for such a long time. There’s elements that you miss but you can still put him in characters that you play here and there,” he said.
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