Ashley Peacock was a firm favourite on Coronation Street, but fans were left heartbroken when he was killed off in 2010 in the soap’s 50th anniversary special
Coronation Street enthusiasts were left in pieces when Ashley Peacock met his untimely end after a dramatic turn of events on the ITV drama.
Ashley first arrived in Weatherfield back in 1995 to help run his family’s butchery, quickly winning over viewers with his charm.
Initially under the impression he knew his father’s identity, Ashley was later stunned to learn he was actually the offspring of his ‘uncle’ Fred Elliot (John Savident), known for his “I say” catchphrase, and Kathleen Gutteridge (Elizabeth Rider).
Raised by Fred’s sister Beryl and her husband, Ashley grew up believing Fred was his uncle until the bombshell revelation shook up the cobbles in a classic Corrie plot twist. Beyond his tumultuous family life, Ashley was adored by the ladies of Weatherfield for his cheeky demeanour and warm heart.
In September 1999, Ashley tied the knot with his soulmate, Maxine Heavey (Tracy Shaw). Their happiness was short-lived, however, as Maxine fell victim to the murderous Richard Hillman (Brian Capron) just four years into their marriage.
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Ashley found love once more, marrying Claire (Julia Haworth) in a festive episode on Christmas Day 2004, and together they had a son named Freddie, reports Leicestershire Live.
Despite his popularity with the audience, Ashley’s time on the show came to a tragic halt in 2010 when he perished in a catastrophic tram crash that commemorated Coronation Street’s 50th anniversary.
He met his fate beneath a fallen ceiling while gallantly rescuing Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne).
Who portrayed Ashley Peacock in Corrie?
Steven Arnold, best known for his role as Ashley Peacock on Coronation Street from 1995 to 2010, was born on December 12, 1974, making him 50 years old. He hails from Warrington in Cheshire, England.
During his school days, a drama teacher encouraged him to audition for a part in a National Film and Television School production titled This Boy’s Story. The film went on to clinch a BAFTA for Best Short Film.
Since leaving the cobbles of Corrie, Steven has carved out a successful career in theatre and even showcased his ice-skating skills on Dancing On Ice in 2011.
His acting credits also include appearances in Casualty, Thick As Thieves, and On The Market. However, he has primarily focused on short films, featuring in numerous productions over the years.
More recently, he participated in The Big Soap Quiz: Coronation Street v Emmerdale hosted by Stephen Mulhern in 2023 and portrayed a detective in Dan Hawk Psychic Detective in 2024.
Steven also competed in Celebrity Come Dine with Me 2020, pitting his culinary skills against Charlotte Crosby, Dawn Ward, Ewen MacIntosh and Jay Hutton.
Interestingly, since departing from Weatherfield, Steven has surprised fans with an unexpected career move that mirrors his on-screen persona. According to The Mirror, he was spotted working as a butcher, much like his character did.
Shoppers were gobsmacked to spot the well-known face working away at Bennett’s of Yorkshire Quality Butchers in Leeds. Steven was snapped taking a selfie with an admirer who recognised him.
The customer shared her astonishment at being served by Steven, commenting: “What a lovely burger served by an equally lovely guy.”
Others were just as taken aback by Steven’s unexpected career move. One shopper quipped: “Oh so he’s a butcher in real life and not just on TV.”
Another added: “Last time I saw him he was selling meat from a butchers wagon at Skirlington market.”
Meanwhile, Corrie enthusiasts have been vocal about their desire to see Ashley Peacock’s family make a comeback to Weatherfield, 15 years following his demise. A Reddit user posed the question: “Should Ashley peacock kids and ex wife return?”.
Another responded: “Well, in a way, I’d like to see them, but seeing the amount of characters who Corrie ruined when they brought back, not so sure.”
A third suggested: “Maybe she could drop in and goes to the Rovers and encounters Kirk and they develop into a romantic relationship over time.”
One fan speculated: “Be interesting, but what would Claire do? they cant write stories and scripts, they wont remember Claire’ character, and they probably make Joshua and Freddie be a problem men probably into crime and they will blame Claire for the death of Ashley.”
“Or they could write as Joshua coming back to Coronation Street to learn about his mother and why she die”, offered another enthusiast.
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday on ITV and ITVX
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