The once squeaky-voiced butcher’s lad, known for his kind heart and soft nature, has often been taken advantage of by the Weatherfield women. Born in 1977, and brought up by Beryl and Sam Peacock, Ashley later foundd that his real father was Fred Elliot.
Typical. I meet me own mother over a butcher’s counter.
1996 Fred’s YTS apprentice, he starts dating Ken’s babysitter Kelly.
1997 Falls in love with vampish hairdresser Maxine. She leaves him after he takes in homeless teen Zoe.
1998 Relationship with Zoe falls apart when she joins a religious cult and leaves Weatherfield.
1999 Reunites with Maxine shortly after discovering that Fred is his dad, not his uncle. Tracks down his real mum, Kathleen, in time for their September wedding.
2000 Held up in a terrifying armed siege at Freshco’s supermarket. Decides to try for a baby with Maxine.
2001 Has an operation to remedy fertility problems. Maxine has a one-night stand with Dr Matt Ramsden and falls pregnant, but is unsure of the paternity of the baby.
2002 Maxine confesses her fling to Ashley and goes into early labour. Baby Joshua born. Ashley refuses a paternity test and takes on the baby as his own.
2003 Maxine is murdered by serial killer Richard Hillman. Ashley takes a paternity test and discovers that he’s not Joshua’s dad. Employs Claire Casey as a nanny.
2004 Falls in love with Claire and marries her on Christmas Day.
2006 Claire falls pregnant with baby Freddy. Ashley fights to keep Joshua when Matt returns, wanting access. Tragically loses his dad, Fred, in the autumn.
Steven was born in Warrington on 12 December 1974 and was launched into acting by his school drama teacher, who put him up for a part in a National Film School movie, This Boy’s Story. He clinched the role and later won a part on acclaimed ITV children’s drama series, Children’s Ward, with his younger brother, Kevin.
Steven went on to star in BBC’s Hetty Wainthrop Investigates as Hetty’s young sidekick and has also appeared in The Bill and Common As Muck.
Steven, who still lives in his hometown, spends much of his spare time pursuing his hobby, boxing.
