Corrie legend working 'normal job' 14 years after being axed from iconic role

Steven Arnold was a staple of the ITV soap for 15 years, but now after leaving the programme behind in 2010, the former actor has gone back to a normal life and job

Approximately fourteen years after leaving the cobbles, a Coronation Street icon has recently been sighted working a “normal job.”

As the endearing outlaw Ashley Peacock in the soap opera, Steven won over the public’s affection. Arnold, who debuted on the show in 1995, played Ashley’s butcher for fifteen years, until his dismissal in 2010.

Following his departure from the ITV show in the much-discussed “live episode” that aired in conjunction with the soap opera’s 50th anniversary, Steven found himself without a job. It appears that he has now made the decision to return to the meat business, much like his Weatherfield persona

It seems that the actor has now become a meat trader at a local shop in Leeds, leaving fans shocked at the complete career U-turn. Steven currently works at Bennett’s of Yorkshire Quality Butchers, and has been regularly seen working shifts at their high-end shop on the high street of the northern city.

It has not been established how long Steven has worked at the butchers, but fans of the soap have been floored to see him as they walk into the shop. He is also making no secret of his new career path, having been spotted in a new photo uploaded by a fan.

In the snap which was uploaded to Facebook, Steven could be seen beaming with smiles as he posed for a selfie alongside a stunned customer. In the snap, she admitted she could not believe who was serving her at the butchers.

Writing in the caption, she penned: “What a lovely burger served by an equally lovely guy.” Soon after the post was uploaded, however, eager Corrie fans were stunned at the turnaround for the once-beloved actor, with many thrilled to have a new update.

One happy user commented: “Lovely to see Ashley. Wondered what had happened to him.”

Whilst a second fan was seemingly left floored at his new business venture. They wrote: “Oh so he’s a butcher in real life and not just on TV!”

A third account was seemingly used to spotting the actor out and about flogging meat wherever he went. The account also admitted: “Last time I saw him he was selling meat from a butchers wagon at Skirlington market.”

Many also praised Steven for being able to get stuck in on the graft, much like the rest of the viewers of the show that made him famous. It comes after his character Ashley was brutally killed off by bosses at the show in 2010 with the “live episode”.

Despite his new career in butchery, Steve has been able to maintain some work in front of the camera. Since leaving Corrie in 2010, he has had a number of small cameos in short films and in pantomime productions across the north.