What Happened to Ashley Peacock on Coronation Street?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jun 22, 2023
Coronation Street
Coronation Street is a British TV soap opera that was created by Granada Television and has been airing on ITV since December 9, 1960. The series is set in the fictional town of Weatherfield, which is based on Salford, England, and revolves around the lives of its residents living on a cobbled, terraced street. Originally, Coronation Street was broadcast twice a week, but in 2017 it transitioned to airing six times a week.
The concept for the show was developed by scriptwriter Tony Warren, although his initial proposal was initially rejected by Sidney Bernstein, the founder of the television station. However, producer Harry Elton convinced Bernstein to produce 13 pilot episodes. Over the years, Coronation Street has become an integral part of British culture. ITV Studios, the successor to Granada, produces Coronation Street at MediaCityUK and it is broadcast in all ITV regions as well as internationally.
In 2010, the series was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's longest-running television soap opera on its 50th anniversary. The show initially drew inspiration from kitchen sink realism and has been praised for its portrayal of a relatable, working-class community, blending light-hearted humor with strong character development. Currently, Coronation Street attracts an average of around five million viewers per episode. The show marked its 10,000th episode on February 7, 2020, and celebrated its 60th anniversary later that same year.
What Happened to Ashley Peacock on Coronation Street?
Ashley Peacock, a beloved character on Coronation Street, had a dramatic storyline during his time on the show. Ashley, portrayed by actor Steven Arnold, made his first appearance on the ITV soap in 1995. He quickly won over fans with his charming looks and cheeky personality. Ashley's storyline took several twists and turns throughout his tenure on Coronation Street. One notable revelation was that his biological father was Fred Elliot, a memorable character known for his catchphrase "I say." This revelation added an interesting dynamic to Ashley's character development.
Ashley's romantic life also had its share of ups and downs. He was married twice on the show. His first marriage was to Maxine, played by Tracey Shaw. Tragically, Maxine was murdered by the infamous Corrie serial killer Richard Hillman in 2003. Ashley then found love again with Claire, portrayed by Julia Haworth, and they had a romantic Christmas Day wedding in 2004. However, Ashley's story took a tragic turn in 2010 during the special tram crash episode that celebrated 50 years of Coronation Street.
He was one of the casualties of the crash, and his character was killed off as a result. This event left fans devastated by his untimely demise. Despite his diverse acting projects, Ashley Peacock holds a special place in his heart for his Corrie character, Ashley Peacock. He acknowledges that Ashley will always be an important part of his career, and elements of the character may find their way into future roles he takes on.
Why Did Ashley Peacock Leave Coronation Street?
Ashley Peacock, portrayed by actor Steven Arnold, left Coronation Street due to a tragic storyline development. The decision to write off Ashley's character was a creative choice made by the show's producers and writers. Such departures are not uncommon in long-running soap operas like Coronation Street, where characters' storylines often take dramatic turns to create suspense and engage viewers.
The specific reasons behind an actor's departure from a show are typically not publicly disclosed, as they involve personal and contractual considerations between the actor and the production team. In the case of Ashley Peacock's exit, the decision to kill off the character was a narrative choice made by the show's creative team to provide a memorable and impactful storyline for the 50th anniversary episode.
Since leaving Coronation Street, Steven Arnold, the actor who played Ashley, has been involved in various acting projects. He has taken on roles in theater, television, and films. He starred in the play "Cissie and Ada," based on the life of Les Dawson, and appeared in productions like "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Darling Buds of May," and "The Jungle Book." Steven also directed the short film "Hooked" and appeared in movies such as "Womble," "This Is Jayde: The One Hit Wonder," and the short film series "Thick As Thieves."
In addition to his acting endeavors, Steven Arnold has made appearances on reality TV shows like "Dancing on Ice" and "Celebrity Come Dine With Me." He has also reunited with Julia Haworth, who played his on-screen wife Claire, for a special appearance on the quiz show "Pointless Celebrities." Steven has maintained connections with his former Corrie castmates, including Andy Whyment, who continues to portray Kirk on the show.
Ashley Peacock Role in Coronation Street
Ashley Peacock is a beloved fictional character in the renowned British ITV soap opera Coronation Street. Expertly portrayed by the talented Steven Arnold, Ashley made his first appearance on the small screen on February 1, 1995. His character's journey has left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers. The intriguing backstory of Ashley begins with his parentage. He is the son of Fred Elliott, played by John Savident, and Kathleen Gutteridge, portrayed by Elizabeth Rider.
Ashley's existence came about as a result of a relationship between Fred and Kathleen, who worked at the family's shop. Seeking stability for their child, Fred proposed to Kathleen, hoping to create a solid foundation for their family. However, Kathleen, not wanting to be tied down at a young age, declined the proposal. Thus, when Ashley was born, Kathleen made the selfless decision to allow Fred's sister Beryl Peacock, portrayed by Anny Tobin, and her husband Sam, to raise Ashley as their own son.
Growing up, Ashley believed that Beryl was his mother and Fred was his uncle, unaware of his true parentage. Tragedy struck Ashley's life during the momentous 50th-anniversary episode of Coronation Street, which aired in December 2010. He became a victim of the devastating tram crash storyline, ultimately meeting an untimely demise. This heart-wrenching event deeply impacted viewers, as Ashley's character had become an integral part of the show's fabric.
Through the remarkable portrayal by Steven Arnold, Ashley Peacock became a beloved figure in the Coronation Street universe. His journey, filled with complex family dynamics and emotional revelations, captivated audiences throughout his time on the show. Steven's exceptional talent breathed life into Ashley, allowing viewers to empathize with his joys, sorrows, and personal growth.
Although Ashley's story came to a tragic end, the character's impact lives on. His presence in Coronation Street remains etched in the collective memory of fans. Steven Arnold's remarkable portrayal of Ashley Peacock will forever be cherished, as he brought depth, authenticity, and relatability to the character, leaving an enduring legacy within the rich tapestry of Coronation Street.
Who Played Ashley Peacock on Coronation Street?
Steven Arnold is an incredibly talented English actor who has captivated audiences with his unforgettable portrayal of the lovable butcher, Ashley Peacock, in the iconic ITV soap opera Coronation Street. From a young age, Steven showed remarkable potential in the world of acting. His passion was nurtured by a dedicated drama teacher at Sir Thomas Boteler in Warrington, who recognized his exceptional talent.
It was this teacher who encouraged Steven to audition for a part in the acclaimed National Film and Television School production titled "This Boy's Story." To no one's surprise, the film went on to receive the prestigious British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) for Best Short Film, solidifying Steven's remarkable abilities. Throughout his career, Steven has showcased his versatility and incredible range as an actor. Alongside his younger brother, Kevin, he graced the screens of the beloved Granada Television series, Children's Ward.
Steven's exceptional talent was further displayed in his work on various television series, including appearances in The Bill, Medics, Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, and Common As Muck. Not limiting himself to the small screen, he also lent his remarkable voice to the character of Ant in the BBC Radio 4 production, Distance Between The Stars. However, it was his unforgettable portrayal of Ashley Peacock in Coronation Street that truly solidified Steven's status as a television icon.
From the moment he made his debut in 1995, audiences were captivated by his impeccable acting skills and his ability to bring Ashley to life. His outstanding performance garnered him a well-deserved nomination for Best Actor at the prestigious National Television Awards in 1999, as well as a nomination for Most Popular Actor at the esteemed British Soap Awards in 2003. Steven Arnold's dedication to his craft and his undeniable talent have left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers and fans alike.
His portrayal of Ashley Peacock will forever be etched in the annals of television history. With each scene, he effortlessly conveyed the essence of Ashley's character, endearing him to millions of viewers and earning him a special place in their hearts. In his portrayal of Ashley Peacock, Steven Arnold breathed life into a character that was relatable, genuine, and filled with warmth. Through the highs and lows, the laughter and tears, he allowed us to connect deeply with Ashley's journey.
His performances were nothing short of remarkable, leaving audiences eagerly awaiting each episode to witness the magic he brought to the screen. Steven Arnold's unwavering commitment to his craft and his ability to evoke genuine emotion have made him a true master of his art. While his time on Coronation Street may have come to an end in 2010, the impact he has made will be cherished forever. As fans, we are grateful for the countless moments of joy, laughter, and heartache he shared with us through his portrayal of Ashley Peacock.
Steven Arnold's passion for acting and his remarkable talent continue to inspire and captivate audiences across the world. His contributions to the world of television have left an indelible legacy, and his performances will forever be remembered as a testament to his unparalleled dedication and extraordinary abilities.
What Happened to Ashley Peacock on Coronation Street - FAQs
Ashley Peacock, portrayed by Steven Arnold, was tragically killed off during the special tram crash episode to commemorate Coronation Street's 50th anniversary in December 2010.
The decision for Ashley Peacock's departure from Coronation Street was a creative choice made by the show's producers and writers. They opted to write off the character as part of a dramatic storyline surrounding the tram crash, providing a memorable and impactful moment for the 50th anniversary episode.
Claire Peacock, played by Julia Haworth, left Coronation Street as part of her character's storyline. Claire's departure was related to a series of events, including her husband Ashley's tragic death in the tram crash and subsequent personal struggles. The details of her exit were portrayed within the context of the show's ongoing narrative.
No, Ashley Peacock is no longer part of the Coronation Street storyline. His character was written out of the show following his death in the tram crash episode in December 2010.
There have been no reports or announcements regarding Ashley Peacock's return to Coronation Street.