Posted June 21, 2023 by: Admin #News

The charming Weatherfield butcher, whose surprising lineage revealed his true father to be the unforgettable Fred ‘I say’ Elliot, captivated audiences with his roguish good looks. Ashley made his debut on the beloved ITV soap in 1995, and his irresistible charm led to two marriages during his time on the show.

His first union was with Maxine, portrayed by the talented Tracey Shaw, tragically taken from him by the notorious Corrie serial killer Richard Hillman in 2003. Nevertheless, love would find Ashley again, this time with Claire, played by the enchanting Julia Haworth, culminating in a heartwarming Christmas Day wedding in 2004.

However, fate dealt a devastating blow when Ashley met his untimely demise during the gripping tram crash commemorating Coronation Street’s 50th anniversary in 2010. Today, we delve into the post-Street adventures of actor Steven Arnold, the talented performer behind the unforgettable character of Ashley. Hailing from Warrington, the now 48-year-old star has expanded his horizons, not only continuing his acting pursuits but also taking on the role of a director, as noted on Imdb.

While his portrayal of Ashley remains his most recognized achievement, Steven initially made waves in the industry with his breakout role in the series Children’s Ward, where he had the opportunity to work alongside his brother, Kevin, who is also an accomplished actor.

Before his unforgettable stint on Coronation Street, Steven showcased his talent in a diverse range of productions, including The Bill, Medics, Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, and Common As Muck.

Since bidding farewell to the cobbles, Steven has delved into a myriad of acting projects, spanning across theater, television, and film. Reflecting on his ventures, he shared with the Coronation Street podcast, “Since I left, I’ve immersed myself in a lot of stage work.”

From his initial foray into portraying the iconic Les Dawson in the play “Cissie and Ada,” to his involvement in diverse productions such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Darling Buds of May,” and “The Jungle Book,” Steven’s versatility has been on full display. Additionally, he delighted audiences with his appearances in numerous pantomimes, a departure from his previous roles and an exciting new experience.

Furthermore, Steven has made notable contributions to the world of film, taking on both acting and directing duties. He starred in the short film “Hooked” and appeared alongside Johnny Vegas in the captivating movie “Womble.” Other projects include “This Is Jayde: The One Hit Wonder” and the engaging short film series “Thick As Thieves.”

In a departure from scripted performances, Steven embraced the world of reality television, participating in beloved shows such as Dancing on Ice and Celebrity Come Dine With Me, showcasing his skills beyond the confines of fictional characters.

A decade after his departure from Coronation Street, Steven reunited with his on-screen wife Julia for a thrilling appearance on Pointless Celebrities, reminiscing about their time together on the show. Additionally, he maintains close ties with his former Corrie castmates, including the lovable Kirk, portrayed by Andy Whyment.

Nevertheless, Steven acknowledges that, regardless of his future endeavors, the character of Ashley will forever hold a cherished place in his heart. “He’ll always occupy a special corner of my soul since I portrayed him for such a significant period,” Steven shared. “Certain aspects are missed, but fragments of Ashley can still find their way into the characters I portray now and then.”