Corrie's Steve boxes clever (From Warrington Guardian)

Corrie's Steve boxes clever

PADGATE-born Coronation Street star Steve Arnold has taken method acting to the extreme by training with boxing legend Ricky Hatton for an on-screen punch up.

The soap star has been a boxing fan after seeing Ricky Hatton at a fight in Warrington some time ago. Since then they have formed an unlikely friendship and the Street star called on his boxing pal when he had the chance to get in the ring, on screen.

His character, Ashley Peacock, was roped into a boxing match against his dad's arch rival's son.

Although on screen he was being coached by a street fitness trainer, in real life he received tips from the country's top boxer, and revived his love for the sport.

As a youngster growing up in the town, he enjoyed training for bouts but after realising he could never turn professional, he pursued his love of acting instead.

The 30-year-old has just signed another year-long contract with the top soap so fans of the Warrington actor will be able to see him on screen for some time yet.