Ashley Peacock star Steven Arnold has opened up about a potential return to Coronation Street . The actor played fan favourite character Ashley for 15 years on the ITV soap. The Weatherfield butcher charmed viewers with his cheeky chappy look and embarked on two high profile romances during his time on the show, including Maxine, who was murdered by Corrie serial killer Richard Hillman back in 2003, and Claire, who his character tied the knot with in a romantic episode on Christmas Day in 2004.