For a generation of soap fans, the name Richard Hillman still sends a shiver down the spine. The chillingly charismatic villain, played by actor Brian Capron, terrorised the residents of Coronation Street in the early 2000s, cementing his place as one of the show's most legendary bogeymen.
The 'Fatal' Fear of a Soap Comeback
In a surprising twist, the spectre of Hillman returned to Weatherfield in December 2025, appearing as a nightmare vision to his ex-wife, Gail Platt, played by the departing Helen Worth. However, Capron has now confessed that he was initially deeply hesitant to resurrect the role, fearing it could be a 'fatal' mistake for his career.
Speaking to The Sun, Capron admitted, 'I was gobsmacked and a bit wary until I read the script.' He questioned how the character could plausibly return, given his dramatic demise years earlier. The actor referenced the cautionary tale of Leslie Grantham's return as Dirty Den in EastEnders, which he believed highlighted the risks of revisiting an iconic role.
'I always think it's fatal to go back in a soap,' Capron stated, revealing his initial doubts. His concerns were only alleviated after reading the 'clever' script, which he felt balanced the character's signature dark humour with a lingering sense of menace.
A Soggy and Sentimental Return
The comeback scene saw Hillman appear to Gail as her relationship with new fiancé Jesse Chadwick (John Thomson) faltered. In a macabre callback, he returned looking exactly as he did when he met his end: soaking wet and draped in seaweed.
Capron revealed the practical challenges of the shoot, wearing a wetsuit under his suit for warmth while being 'sprayed with water all day'. Despite the discomfort, he described the experience of reuniting with Helen Worth as 'lovely', praising the writing and the enduring dynamic between their characters.
'It was great to be back with her for the day,' he said, crediting Worth for giving the original storyline its emotional depth. 'We worked very hard on making it a very loving relationship... it gave a lot of dimension to the character.'
Recalling a Reign of Terror
Richard Hillman's original reign of terror began when he arrived on the Street for his cousin Alma Halliwell's funeral. He swiftly charmed Gail Platt, presenting himself as a successful businessman while secretly being a serial conman.
His crimes escalated from swindling elderly residents like Jack and Vera Duckworth to far darker acts. He was responsible for the deaths of his business partner Duggie Ferguson and his ex-wife Patricia. In a desperate bid for money, he later attempted to murder Gail's mother, Audrey Roberts, by setting her house on fire.
His most infamous act was the brutal killing of Maxine Peacock with a crowbar. When Gail uncovered the truth, Hillman confessed before kidnapping her and her children, Sarah and David, and driving their car into a canal. While the Platt family was rescued, Hillman drowned in the vehicle, seemingly ending his story for good.
This recent spectral return, tied to the exit of Weatherfield stalwart Helen Worth, proved a chilling and fitting full-circle moment for one of soap's most unforgettable antagonists, despite the actor's own initial fears.
