Having been privileged to attend a few Coronation Street press events, I’ve learnt that the surrealism of seeing our favourite Corrie stars in the flesh is never lost on me. Sat having a coffee in the Coronation Street Experience event area (do visit, it is brilliant), I overheard this Canadian accent, and spinning around in my chair, I saw actor Todd Boyce aka Stephen Reid stroll into the room. We had a quick chat with him at our table, I can confirm he’s a nice guy. We've watched over the last 18 months as his character commenced a murder spree through Weatherfield, ending the lives of Leo, Teddy, and Rufus whilst causing ructions in Underworld, toying with Tim’s Mum, drugging Carla, and romancing Jenny. But like I say, in real life, he’s very chilled so that covers it… Surreal!
For my latest Coronation Street Blog Press Day interview, we asked Todd Boyce all about Stephen’s exit from the show after (a solid) 18 months of drama!
Hi Todd, how does it feel to be saying farewell to Stephen?
It feels sad on the one hand but it's also gratifying that there is some closure. It's an arc that's lasted over 28 years. I started playing him in my 30s and I’m now in my 60’s. I've had three goes at it and the final go has been a gift, I couldn't have wished for anything more exciting than to be given Stephen and to be given such good writing. It's been a joy!
Was what it like on your last day of filming?
It was great. It wasn't emotional until the entire building came into the studio to give me some gifts. My penultimate scene was with Sue Nicholls (Audrey), which was fantastic, and just like we started 28 years ago. She’s a lot like my real mother in some senses and I'm very much like her son and her great friend. I'm glad we had that scene to film on my last day.
How do you feel about your leaving storyline?
I think the audience will be pleased about how this shapes out. They've put up with a lot of frustration. It has been pointed out that a lot of murderers in history were undetected for decades, but in the world of soap, you can only put up with that for so long. In that sense, it's timed perfectly. At one point, we were talking about me stopping a little longer, but I'm pleased with this duration and how I leave.
During this week, we know Stephen becomes a desperate man. Could he kill again?
If anything gets in his way, there is no question of it. He has all the finesse of a bulldozer - he needs to get out.
Which character should we be worried about?
Tim, maybe Audrey, and I think Peter is putting himself in such a dangerous position. Tim is in his sights. I think he would kill him out of anger, no other reason. Stephen is a timebomb - he’s now exploding.
What has been your highlight from being on the show this time around?
As an actor, it was the perfect timing for me to play this. I could still throw bins around, pull a few punches, hit people with lead pipes, and run. Physically, I had the stamina to do it, it was an enormous workload. I think my mind was in the right place. Even ten years earlier, I may not have been able to do this with as much relish. It all came together beautifully at this time.
Have you kept anything of Stephen’s as a keepsake?
I love the art department! They have given me Stephen Reid’s bank card. It’s useless as he had no money at all. I used my wallet on set and filled it with Stephen’s cards. When I first arrived they were Italian bank cards, which was correct, but also worthless. I do love having this credit card to keep. I did not keep the hole-punch though. The cast made me a ‘Canadian psycho’ leaving card, with a hole punch on it- the artwork was beautiful.
Thank you, Todd!
So, we know Stephen Reid is leaving Weatherfield, it's just that we don't know how! It also seems that Todd Boyce has been a big hit with his fellow ensemble cast members, Corrie producer Iain Macleod said as we started this Press Day interview ‘the story, the character, and the performance from Todd has been up there with my favourite ever Corrie villains’
What do you think?
Watch Coronation Street on ITVX and ITV this week to find out!
2 comments:
Talking of murders being unsolved for decades, isn't it about time that Gary Windass got caught for that bloke he murdered??? or have the writers just forgotten that, there was some shenanigans with finding his watch and then it all went cold.
While on the topic of unsolved crimes,I wish the truth about Gary causing the factory roof collapsing killing Rana came out too.
As for Stephen,O fear he'll get away with his crimes and poor Audrey will get the blame.
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