Former Coronation Street actor Todd Boyce has made a surprising revelation about his character Stephen Reid's dramatic exit from the ITV soap, confirming that producers significantly altered the original ending plans.
The Original Storyline Plans
Boyce, who portrayed Stephen Reid on and off from 1996 until 2023, explained that the character's relationship with Jenny Connor was initially intended to develop over a much longer period. The actor disclosed that executive producer Iain MacLeod considered extending Stephen's time on the cobbles beyond his initial 18-month contract.
"I know Iain MacLeod toyed for a little while with me being with Jenny and everything calming down," Boyce revealed during an interview. "They toyed with another six months, with the idea that I would move in with Jenny, hang around the Rovers, work at the factory, come back at night."
Why The Plans Changed
The extended storyline would have created a "proper love story" where Stephen's murderous past was temporarily forgotten, making his eventual downfall even more tragic. However, Boyce admitted that audience reaction ultimately forced producers to reconsider their approach.
"I think the audience was just baying for blood at that point!" the actor confessed. "I didn't even dare look at social media. I think they'd had enough, so we said let's call it at a year and a half."
Stephen Reid's killing spree included three murders of people who had discovered his true nature. His crimes were eventually exposed in 2023, leading to his dramatic death when Peter Barlow struck him with a car.
Aftermath and Consequences
The character's death created significant ripple effects throughout Weatherfield. Peter Barlow avoided prison but faced daily reminders of the incident, leading to emotional struggles and temptation to relapse into alcoholism.
His wife Carla Connor eventually bought him a one-way ticket to Spain as a Christmas gift, understanding that he needed to escape the constant reminders of Stephen's death. The couple's emotional farewell was featured in a special episode focusing solely on their relationship.
Boyce's revelations provide fascinating insight into how audience feedback can directly influence television storylines, even in long-running dramas like Coronation Street.
