Coronation Street legend reunites with co-star and you’ll barely recognise him
There’s been a double blast from Coronation Street’s past this weekend!
It’s been 16 years since Steven Arnold’s alter-ego, Ashley Peacock lost his life in the apocalyptic tram crash of 2010.
Alex Bain’s character, Simon Barlow bowed out in far less tragic circumstances, though, when he ditched the cobbles for a job on a yacht with his dad, Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne), in 2024.
Both had amassed huge tenures on the show, with Steven racking up fifteen years as butcher Ashley, while Alex played his role as troubled Simon for sixteen years before heading off for pastures new.
The two took to TikTok, creating a video to promote a fundraising campaign aimed at the facilitation of a church refurbishment in Rotherham.
‘Hello everyone, it’s Alex Bain here, formerly known as Simon Barlow on Coronation Street,’ Alex started the video, before handing over to Steven.
‘I’m Stephen Arnold, best known for playing Aston Peacock on Coronation Street,’ Steven started.
‘We’re just giving a massive shout out to a really, really good mate of mine, Scott Brunt. He’s [worked with] numerous charities all over Rotherham, and his latest project is doing a refurbishment at St Mary’s Church in Greasbrough.
‘Please get your hand in your pocket and support him. He’s doing fantastic work for the area, and it means so much to the community to get this church back where it belongs. All the best, guys. Cheers!’ Steven finished.
‘All the best, guys, I hope it goes really, really well. Get out there, get donating, get supporting,’ Alex followed on.
‘Make sure you support him, you cheeky little monkeys!’ Steven finished with a big smile.
Various other celebrities have supported the effort, with Johnny Nelson, Kash Ali and Peter Fury also recording videos encouraging people to support Scott Brunt in his efforts to refurbish the church.
Steven and Alex’s Corrie roles
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Ashley, a perennial ‘nice guy’, worked alongside his ‘uncle’ and undisputed soap royalty, Fred ‘I say’ Elliott (John Savident) as a butcher, before he discovered that Fred was, in fact, his dad.
He went on to marry Maxine Heavey (Tracy Shaw), with the two having a son, Joshua, though doubts about his paternity remained with Maxine having had an affair with Matt Ramsden (Stephen Beckett). Ashley raised him as his own, despite a blood test eventually confirming that Matt was indeed the biological father.
Maxine, who definitely should’ve stayed at the party, became the final victim of Richard Hillman (Brian Capron). He bashed her to death with a crowbar, leaving poor Ashley bereft.
Ashley eventually found love again with nanny, Claire Casey (Julia Haworth). They married and had a child, Freddie.
Financial issues plagued the couple, forcing a house swap with the Webster clan, and Claire struggled deeply with post-partum depression, leading Ashley to cheat with Casey Carswell (Zoe Henry), who kidnapped Freddie.
Ashley’s death came as the family planned to move to France. While trapped amid the wreckage of the tram crash, Ashley left Claire a final voicemail, reaffirming his love for her.
Simon had a tumultuous time in Weatherfield as the son of alcoholic Peter after the death of his mum, Lucy Barlow (Katy Carmichael).
After the death of Kal Nazir (Jimi Mistry), Simon began abusing his step-mum, Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) in an incredibly dark storyline.
He later got involved in a criminal gang, committing burglaries and muggings, though he eventually testified against the other members.
He later returned to crime, becoming a drug dealer alongside Jacob Hay (Jack James Ryan), before turning to alcohol, mirroring his alcoholic dad.
After receiving a drink-driving conviction, Simon began to work to turn his life around, eventually leaving the street to live and work with the also-departed Peter.
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