[bbfan1991]

Coronation Street couple Claire and Ashley Peacock are to be written out of the Weatherfield soap later this year, Digital Spy can confirm.

Actors Julia Haworth and Steven Arnold recently met with new producer Phil Collinson to discuss their future with the serial and all three parties mutually agreed that their characters had run their course.

Speaking of the decision, Collinson said: "Ashley and Claire Peacock have been part of the fabric of Weatherfield for many years but like any community, people come and go.

"Both the actors and myself felt that we had reached a crossroads with the characters, to the point that as actors they were not being fulfilled and stories were harder to find.

He continued: "We mutually decided to start working towards an exit for the Peacock family, giving the actors the chance to explore new opportunities and for us to devise a dramatic exit storyline.

"I wish Steven and Julia, and of course the young boys who play Josh and Freddie, all the best for the future."


Contrary to reports in the Manchester Evening News, however, show officials insist that no "dramatic showdown" or confrontation occurred at the meeting.

An ITV spokesperson said: "Julia and Steven are to leave the show but contrary to some press reports, there has been no confrontation with the show producer Phil Collinson."

They added: "All parties agreed this was the right time to say goodbye to the street's Peacock family."

Writers are said to be working on a "fitting exit" for the pair, who will remain on screen "until at least" the end of the year.

Arnold first appeared as butcher Ashley in 1995. He went on to marry Maxine Heavey (Tracy Shaw) four years later. Their happiness, however, was short-lived when she had an affair with Dr Matt Ramsden (Stephen Beckett), before being murdered by evil Richard Hillman (Brian Capron).

Ashley went on to marry Claire Casey on Christmas Day 2004. Their relationship, however, hit the rocks when she began suffering post-natal depression following the birth of their first son Freddie.

[Smithy]

I just saw this on DS, no big loss really they haven't had a proper storyline since the House swap thing.
And even then that wasn't exactly riveting

[Jords]

I like Claire.

[Billy]

I'm really gutted about this. Julia Hayworth is one of the strongest actress' in soap.

[Scarlett.]

Wow! I wasnt expecting about that! Though, tbf, they arent really used anymore

[BigBrotherfan4ever]

Won't be a big loss to the street...IMO

[Smithy]

It'll be nice to see some more fresh faces in the street though

[Scarlett.]

I wonder if they will just move out?

[Stacey.]

saw this a bit ago - quite pleased Claire will be leaving.
i like Ashley however

[Scarlett.]

I like Julia (Claire) my sister used to know her

[Kerry]

They don't have much impact in the show these days though I like Claires friendship with Becky.

[Stacey.]

Becky should leave too! cant stand her.

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by Stacey.x

Becky should leave too! cant stand her.

Agreed!, shame as I really liked her when she first appeared...

[Stacey.]

Originally Posted by bbfan1991

Agreed!, shame as I really liked her when she first appeared...

And me.
shes got boring now though.

[Tom]

This is a bit of a daft move really because they've been there so long. Even though they don't do much they're like wallpaper, a bit like Emily and Rita. Julia wasn't even written out for her maternity leave, so why can't they just keep the characters on the street with them just filming the odd scene?

I'm guessing their exit will be Claire wanting to upsize after moving into Sallys house.

[Scarlett.]

I kinda hope they just move on, in that way they can still come back sometime in the future for guest appearances

[Smithy]

Chewy stop trying to get in the Sun again

[Jackie]

Their characters are also boring their storylines at the moment arent that interesting to watch.