Coronation Street legend's ‘normal job’ 14 years after soap exit
Coronation Street's Steven Arnold, who played the loveable rogue Ashley Peacock on the soap, has been spotted working a "normal job" 14 years after his departure from the soap. The actor, who was a staple on the show for 15 years, left in a dramatic live episode marking the soap's 50th anniversary.
Since leaving the cobbles, Steven has made a surprising career change and is now working as a meat trader at Bennett's of Yorkshire Quality Butchers in Leeds. Fans have been left stunned to see the former soap star behind the counter of the high-end butcher shop.
While it's unclear how long he's been working there, Steven seems to be embracing his new role, even posing for a photo with a fan recently. It appears that life has imitated art for the actor, who played butcher Ashley Peacock on the popular ITV show.
A delightful photo, posted on Facebook, shows Corrie star Steven, who also appeared on Dancing On Ice in 2011, beaming widely as he served a gobsmacked customer at a butcher's counter. Captioning the unexpected, grin-filled selfie, the stunned customer wrote: "What a lovely burger served by an equally lovely guy."
Keen Corrie fans quickly spotted and were bowled over by the post, grateful for a fresh update on their favourite former actor. One overjoyed follower piped up, saying: "Lovely to see Ashley. Wondered what had happened to him."
Meanwhile, another fan was clearly caught off guard by his new professional endeavour exclaiming: "Oh so he's a butcher in real life and not just on TV!"
Interestingly, a third user seemed quite used to spotting the actor vending meat here and there, adding: "Last time I saw him he was selling meat from a butchers wagon at Skirlington market."
Many users commended Steven for his hands-on approach and resilience, clearly proud of how he has transitioned since his character, Ashley, met with a tragic end during the live episode in 2010.
Despite diving into the world of butchery, Steve hasn't fully stepped away from the limelight and has kept up some camera work. Since saying goodbye to Corrie back in 2010, he has been spotted in cameo roles in short films and pantomimes across the north.
Currently on Coronation Street, fans have been on the edge of their seats as favourite Roy Cropper is on trial for murder after being wrongly accused of teenager Lauren Bolton's murder.
Roy has been supported by solicitor Dee-Dee since his ordeal began and she is currently trying to help him with his bail application, that was turned down by the judge in the ITV soap. Things then took a further turn when death threats intended for Roy were uncovered.
