Corrie's Arnold 'to quit acting for good'

Steven Arnold is reportedly quitting acting for a career in the construction trade.

The Coronation Street star is rumoured to have made the decision after being axed from his role as Ashley Peacock on the ITV1 soap.

Arnold, 35, and Julia Haworth, who plays his on-screen wife Claire, are to be written out of the show later this year in a decision made by new producer Phil Collinson.

A source told the News of the World that Arnold wants a complete change from the "pressure cooker atmosphere" on Corrie, which he has been a part of for 15 years.

"Steven has always said that when his time is up on the Street he would do something completely different. He has many friends in the building trade and wants to try his hand at roofing," the source said. Arnold is also reportedly concerned that he will always be typecast as the squeaky-voiced butcher.