Coronation Street Legends Reunite for Charitable Cause After 16 Years
In a heartwarming blast from the past, two beloved Coronation Street actors have reunited to champion a community cause in Rotherham. Steven Arnold, who portrayed Ashley Peacock, and Alex Bain, known for playing Simon Barlow, joined forces on TikTok to promote a fundraising campaign for St. Mary's Church in Greasbrough.
Charity Campaign Brings Soap Stars Together
The video features both actors appealing to fans and the public to support Scott Brunt's efforts to refurbish the historic church. "We're just giving a massive shout out to a really, really good mate of mine, Scott Brunt," Steven Arnold explained in the clip. "He's worked with numerous charities all over Rotherham, and his latest project is doing a refurbishment at St. Mary's Church."
Alex Bain initiated the video with: "Hello everyone, it's Alex Bain here, formerly known as Simon Barlow on Coronation Street," before passing the baton to his former co-star. Steven Arnold introduced himself as: "Stephen Arnold, best known for playing Ashley Peacock on Coronation Street."
Community Impact and Celebrity Support
The actors emphasized the importance of community support for the project. "Please get your hand in your pocket and support him," Steven urged viewers. "He's doing fantastic work for the area, and it means so much to the community to get this church back where it belongs."
Alex added encouragement: "All the best, guys, I hope it goes really, really well. Get out there, get donating, get supporting." Steven concluded with his signature humor: "Make sure you support him, you cheeky little monkeys!"
The campaign has attracted support from other notable figures including boxers Johnny Nelson, Kash Ali, and Peter Fury, who have also recorded promotional videos.
Looking Back at Their Coronation Street Legacies
Both actors left significant marks on the long-running ITV soap opera:
- Steven Arnold as Ashley Peacock: Played the butcher for fifteen years until his character's dramatic death in the 2010 tram crash. Ashley's storyline included marriage to Maxine Heavey, raising a son who wasn't biologically his, finding love again with Claire Casey, and financial struggles that led to a house swap with the Webster family.
- Alex Bain as Simon Barlow: Portrayed the troubled son of alcoholic Peter Barlow for sixteen years before departing in 2024. Simon's complex narrative involved abuse towards step-mother Leanne Battersby, involvement with criminal gangs, drug dealing, alcoholism, and ultimately leaving Weatherfield to work on a yacht with his father.
The reunion marks a significant moment for Coronation Street fans, demonstrating how former cast members continue to engage with meaningful community projects long after their time on the cobbles has ended. The church refurbishment campaign represents not just architectural preservation but community revitalization, with these soap stars leveraging their platforms for positive local impact.
