Weatherfield actor goes AWOL

Coronation Street producers were forced to call off a day's worth of filming on Friday - after Steven Arnold failed to turn up for work.

Steven, who plays butcher Ashley Peacock, did not contact bosses to explain his absence and repeated calls to the actor went unanswered.

A source told the Sunday Mirror: "The cast and crew were furious. Steve's character was crucial and the day was basically a write-off. Corrie has always supported any cast members if they're having problems. But it's not acceptable to disappear without telling anyone, no matter how famous they are."

Arnold had still not spoken to producers yesterday afternoon. He is required on set for filming tomorrow - but executives plan to reprimand the 32-year-old for his behaviour if he turns up.

Last month, Arnold found himself in a spot of bother with Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn at a gala dinner at Manchester United's Old Trafford.