A Coronation Street icon is now working a ‘normal job’ after becoming inspired by their character.
Steven Arnold, 49,was axed from the ITV soap over 14 years ago, after becoming a household name. He played the role of butcher Ashely Peacock between 1995 and 2010. In a shock turn of events, Steven has taken inspiration from his soap character and is also now flogging meat at a local shop in Leeds.
He works at Bennett’s of Yorkshire Quality Butchers and has been spotted by fans working at their high street shop. It is not known how long the actor has worked at the butchers, but soap fans have been starstruck by him in recent months. Steven could be seen posing for a selfie with a fan who recognised him.
The woman expressed her surprise at being served by Steven as she said: “What a lovely burger served by an equally lovely guy.” Fans couldn’t believe Steven’s new job as one commented: “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.” Someone else wrote: “Lovely to see Ashley. Wondered what had happened to him.”
A fourth quipped: “Ashley from Corrie playing the role of a butcher and it now looks like he is (haha).” One fan praised Steven as they said: “Earning an honest crust like us all x well done son x.” Ashley was brutally killed off back in 2010 during a dramatic tram crash that marked the 50th anniversary of the soap. Since leaving Coronation Street, Steven has worked on other acting jobs including in short films.
He featured in the 2011 series of Dancing On Ice and movie Womble alongside Johnny Vegas and Bruce Jones. Steven has made appearances in pantomimes, and most recently starred in an Easter panto at Runcorn’s Brindley Theatre. In 2020, he reunited with his on-screen wife Julia Haworth, who played character Claire Peacock.
