Yahoo News Coronation Street icon's 'normal job' after being killed off 14 years ago
Renowned Coronation Street actor Steven Arnold is now pleasing locals, after he found a new passion inspired by his on-screen soap character.
Steven, better remembered as Ashley Peacock, the butcher of Coronation Street, was seen doing a similar role off-set. Post his departure from ITV's famous soap over 14 years ago, Steven swapped his actor's hat for a butcher's apron and joined Bennett's of Yorkshire Quality Butchers.
Locals have started recognising him while he is at work in their local high street butcher shop. Recalling the actor's presence during her shopping, one fan stated: "What a lovely burger served by an equally lovely guy." Framing Steven's career change, another follower commented: "Oh so he's a butcher in real life and not just on TV."
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The surprise of seeing Steven step into his on-screen character's profession, has left fans amazed, with another adding: "Last time I saw him he was selling meat from a butchers wagon at Skirlington market.", reports the Mirror.
Others expressing delight at seeing him again. A fan humorously remarked: "Ashley from Corrie playing the role of a butcher and it now looks like he is (haha)." Another admirer commended Steven, commenting: "Earning an honest crust like us all x well done son x."
Ashley met a tragic end in 2010 during an explosive tram crash that commemorated Coronation Street's 50th anniversary. Post-Coronation Street, Steven has pursued various acting roles, including parts in short films.
He graced the ice in the 2011 edition of Dancing On Ice and appeared in the film Womble with Johnny Vegas and Bruce Jones. His career also includes stints in pantomime, recently featuring in an Easter production at The Brindley in Runcorn.
In 2020, he joined forces again with Julia Haworth, who portrayed his on-screen spouse Claire Peacock, to tackle questions on Pointless Celebrities. During a 2016 interview on Lorraine, Steven shared his nostalgia for his Corrie character, saying: "I do, 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."
Steven has maintained a low profile when it comes to his personal life. The actor is gearing up for a reunion with former Coronation Street colleague, Bruce Jones, in a charity wrestling event in Manchester next month.
A promotional snippet from the organisers stated: "Son of a Butcher, Ashley Peacock arrives at SOVPRO and he's bringing a "real gang" to confront Les Battersby and the lbWo! What has Les done now? ".
