Coronation Street fans will get a blast from the past tonight (December 14) when Audrey Roberts shares the sad news that Archie Shuttleworth has died.
Archie's death is actually paving the way for one of the show's big Christmas stories,but if you're a more recent viewer who has got no idea who he was, then let us fill you in....
Who was he?
Archie, played by Roy Hudd, was a local undertaker who appeared in the show on and off between 2002 and 2010. He was first introduced as new love interest of show icon Blanche, but quickly became a mischievous friend of both Rita and Audrey.
What is his history with Audrey?
Archie’s bond with Audrey initially started after he noticed her hairdressing skills and begged her to come on board at the undertaker's. Realising she could be useful for business, Archie started paying Audrey to dress the hair of some of his deceased clients. Unaware that their relationship was purely platonic at the point, Blanche grew increasingly jealous of the amount of time the pair were spending together and their romance eventually collapsed as a result.
With Blanche out of the way, Archie did start to develop romantic feelings for Audrey – even opening his home to her after show villain Richard Hillman tried to kill her.
Interestingly, Archie was one of the only people who believed that Audrey wasn’t losing her mind during the Richard Hillman saga and loyally stood by her throughout. Sadly, his love for her was unrequited and Audrey later turned down his marriage proposal. Still, it doesn’t look like he held any grudges.
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Why did he leave?
Archie decided to leave after Audrey’s rejection in 2003, unable to see a future in Weatherfield without her. He returned briefly in 2006 for Mike Baldwin’s funeral and made another comeback under similar circumstances in 2010 – this time, for Blanche’s sad send-off.
Why are we being reminded of him now?
So, why are Corrie randomly reminding us of Archie, we hear you ask? Well, it's all tied in with a new storyline for "reformed" conman Lewis, who starts to behave very suspiciously after discovering that Archie left Audrey £80,000 in his will. Yep, you can see where this is heading..
What is going to happen next?
While Audrey is delighted by Archie's generosity from beyond the grave, it actually opens a very messy can of worms. With Audrey's family convinced that Lewis won't be able resist the urge to scam her, it starts to look like their suspicions are vindicated when Gail decides to follow him.
Having witnessed him wine and dine a mystery woman at a lavish hotel, Gail's gets unsettling glimpse of Lewis's true colours when he later threatens her – furious with her ongoing interference.
But despite Gail's best efforts, it isn't enough to stop Lewis doing what she feared, and by the end of the festive season, the schemer has done a runner with Audrey's money. Archie would be spinning in his grave!
Coronation Street continues on Monday, December 17 at 7.30pm on ITV.
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