Graeme Hawley says he owes 'Coronation Street' for catapulting his TV career to the next level. The 39-year-old star - who shot to fame in the ITV show as multiple murderer John Stape - doesn't think he would have stood a chance of landing his latest role in 'Love and Marriage' if he hadn't been given such a big part in the soap, and is grateful to the programme for putting him on the map. He said: ''The role took me on to another level. It catapulted me to a whole new world. ''For me 'Coronation Street' is more than a...
- 6/7/2013
- Virgin Media - Celebrity
Graeme Hawley has said that he has Coronation Street to thank for his new TV role.
The actor, who played hapless Weatherfield killer John Stape, is now back on screen in ITV's new comedy drama Love and Marriage.
Hawley's part as Martin in the programme is his first major TV project since making his final appearance on Corrie in late 2011.
Reflecting on his soap stint, Hawley told the Coventry Observer: "In Coronation Street, I tried to find the funny side of everything because that's more what I wanted. I'm quite bad at being nasty in truth, I'm much better at being stupid and daft! You do what you're best at and I suppose that's what they saw in me and they wrote the character in that way.
"The role took me on to another level. It catapulted me to a whole new world. For me Coronation Street is more than a soap opera,...
The actor, who played hapless Weatherfield killer John Stape, is now back on screen in ITV's new comedy drama Love and Marriage.
Hawley's part as Martin in the programme is his first major TV project since making his final appearance on Corrie in late 2011.
Reflecting on his soap stint, Hawley told the Coventry Observer: "In Coronation Street, I tried to find the funny side of everything because that's more what I wanted. I'm quite bad at being nasty in truth, I'm much better at being stupid and daft! You do what you're best at and I suppose that's what they saw in me and they wrote the character in that way.
"The role took me on to another level. It catapulted me to a whole new world. For me Coronation Street is more than a soap opera,...
- 6/6/2013
- Digital Spy
Reader, we must confess - there's a little bit of cheating going on in this week's Must-See TV rundown. There's so many great shows on in the next seven days that we couldn't narrow it down to just five, so we'd be grateful if you could look the other way while we bend the rules.
Please also make sure you pay tribute to some of the heroes of World War II on the 69th anniversary of the Normandy landings this week with real-time recreation D-Day: As It Happened (Wednesday, June 5 at 9pm on Channel 4) and in-depth documentary D-Day: The Last Heroes (Sunday, June 9 at 9.10pm on BBC One).
And you can do more good while sat at home in front of the telly by supporting Channel 4's Comedy Gala, which airs Friday, June 7 at 9pm.
Mad Dogs: Tuesday (June 4) at 9pm on Sky1
John Simm, Max Beesley, Philip Glenister...
Please also make sure you pay tribute to some of the heroes of World War II on the 69th anniversary of the Normandy landings this week with real-time recreation D-Day: As It Happened (Wednesday, June 5 at 9pm on Channel 4) and in-depth documentary D-Day: The Last Heroes (Sunday, June 9 at 9.10pm on BBC One).
And you can do more good while sat at home in front of the telly by supporting Channel 4's Comedy Gala, which airs Friday, June 7 at 9pm.
Mad Dogs: Tuesday (June 4) at 9pm on Sky1
John Simm, Max Beesley, Philip Glenister...
- 6/2/2013
- Digital Spy
ITV's new Wednesday night comedy drama Love and Marriage debuts next week and the first footage has been released online.
Featuring Gavin & Stacey stars Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb, Celia Imrie, Coronation Street actor Graeme Hawley and Ashley Jensen, the show follows the story of the sprawling Paradise family.
Watch a trailer for Love and Marriage below:
The drama starts on the day of Pauline Paradise's (Steadman) retirement as a lollipop lady, which prompts her to end her marriage to husband Ken (Duncan Preston). Her decision has hugely funny and emotional consequences on her three adult children and their extended families.
Love and Marriage premieres Wednesday, June 5 at 9pm on ITV.
Featuring Gavin & Stacey stars Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb, Celia Imrie, Coronation Street actor Graeme Hawley and Ashley Jensen, the show follows the story of the sprawling Paradise family.
Watch a trailer for Love and Marriage below:
The drama starts on the day of Pauline Paradise's (Steadman) retirement as a lollipop lady, which prompts her to end her marriage to husband Ken (Duncan Preston). Her decision has hugely funny and emotional consequences on her three adult children and their extended families.
Love and Marriage premieres Wednesday, June 5 at 9pm on ITV.
- 5/30/2013
- Digital Spy
Gavin & Stacey duo Larry Lamb and Alison Steadman will be reunited in new ITV comedy drama series Love and Marriage.
The six-part series from Endemol's Tiger Aspect will follow the story of the Paradise family, who have to cope with mum Pauline's (Steadman) decision to walk out on the family after retiring as a lollipop lady.
[Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb with 'Gavin & Stacey' co-star Mat Horne]
The show, which has been written by Stewart Harcourt (Miss Marple, George Gently), has been described as a "warm-hearted drama" which will focus on the "highs and lows of family life".
Duncan Preston is cast as Steadman's husband Ken.
Larry Lamb is joined in the supporting cast by Celia Imrie, ex-Corrie star Graeme Hawley and Extras star Ashley Jensen.
Tiger Aspect's exec Rebecca de Souza said: "Stewart has created the most delightful, funny show. It asks all the big questions about love and marriage."...
The six-part series from Endemol's Tiger Aspect will follow the story of the Paradise family, who have to cope with mum Pauline's (Steadman) decision to walk out on the family after retiring as a lollipop lady.
[Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb with 'Gavin & Stacey' co-star Mat Horne]
The show, which has been written by Stewart Harcourt (Miss Marple, George Gently), has been described as a "warm-hearted drama" which will focus on the "highs and lows of family life".
Duncan Preston is cast as Steadman's husband Ken.
Larry Lamb is joined in the supporting cast by Celia Imrie, ex-Corrie star Graeme Hawley and Extras star Ashley Jensen.
Tiger Aspect's exec Rebecca de Souza said: "Stewart has created the most delightful, funny show. It asks all the big questions about love and marriage."...
- 2/8/2013
- Digital Spy
Former Coronation Street actors Graeme Hawley and David Crellin are to star in the same stage play. Hawley appeared in the ITV1 soap for four years as John Stape, who went on to steal Colin Fishwick's (Crellin) identity, and cover up his death by burying him at Underworld. Stape later died in a car crash after a brief return last year. The pair will star in Saturday Night and Sunday Night at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre from next month. Graeme Hawley revealed that he was glad to appear in a new role after playing a villain for many years. "It's a good way to go, 'that's done' from Corrie, and now for something completely different," he told the Manchester Evening News. "I'm excited to come and work at the Royal Exchange, it's a unique space. "Corrie has been the perfect job (more)...
- 2/22/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Fiz Stape pays an emotional visit to her husband John in hospital in tonight's double bill of the soap. John (Graeme Hawley) is unconscious and in a serious condition following the car crash, and when Fiz arrives at his bedside, she realises how much her partner still means to her. When Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) brings over Hope to see John, she's shocked as he suddenly starts to come round. Will John get a chance to tell the truth about his crimes and clear Fiz's name, or is it too late? (more)...
- 10/28/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's John Stape is left panic-stricken as his latest crazy scheme starts to go horribly wrong in tonight's episode of the soap. John (Graeme Hawley) still has Rosie (Helen Flanagan) held captive at the flat and when the wannabe model struggles to memorise the details of his crime spree ahead of her court appearance, the villain starts to turn nasty - threatening her to take this seriously. At the same time, Jason (Ryan Thomas) and Kevin (Michael Le Vell) become concerned over Rosie's disappearance and head to the flat. (more)...
- 10/27/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
This is the moment that Coronation Street's hapless villain John Stape tries to convince Rosie Webster to help him clear Fiz's name. Holding Rosie (Helen Flanagan) captive for a second time, John tells the wannabe model that it's her job to tell the court all about his dark crimes - allowing Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) to walk free. Rosie has been bound and gagged by John (Graeme Hawley) and when he decides to let her speak, she can't resist (more)...
- 10/26/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Rosie Webster receives a nasty shock in tonight's episode of the soap as she finds herself in another terrifying situation with John Stape. Heading to the flat to meet prospective buyer "Mr Chips", Rosie (Helen Flanagan) is out to impress and has a good feeling that the viewing will go well. However, she's left stunned when "Mr Chips" turns out to be none other than John! John (Graeme Hawley) immediately binds and gags Rosie, explaining that he needs to tell her all about the deaths of Colin, Charlotte (more)...
- 10/26/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine has revealed that she is keen to see some happiness for her troubled character Fiz Stape. Fiz's future looks bleak in the coming days as she stands trial for three murders, having been wrongly accused of her husband John's dark crimes. The devoted mum's only hope is the surprise return of John (Graeme Hawley), who is now back in Weatherfield to help clear his wife's name. McAlpine told the Daily Record of the storyline: "I'm hoping she's not going to get sent down for life and that there's going to be some happiness on the horizon. I have asked as many writers as possible to write me some funny lines." The actress explained that things look particularly bad for Fiz in tonight's double bill of the soap, which sees Hayley Cropper (Julie Hesmondhalgh) slip up while telling (more)...
- 10/24/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street star Graeme Hawley and Emmerdale's Jeff Hordley are launching their own radio show. The soap pair, who play John Stape and Cain Dingle respectively, will host a slot on Radio Republic after previously working together on the radio a few years ago. "I'm about to start doing a radio show with Jeff Hordley who plays Cain Dingle in Emmerdale," Hawley told Pa. "He and I used to do a radio show together until a couple of years ago and we had to stop because of work commitments. "But now we're starting up Radio Republic. (more)...
- 10/23/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street actor Graeme Hawley recently had a chat with Digital Spy about his character John Stape's dramatic return to the cobbles. For all the gossip on what John will be getting up to this time around, head over to our main interview with Graeme if you haven't already. Here, though, Graeme discusses his time away from Coronation Street, his future plans and how he's found the experience of playing John. As Graeme, what have you been getting up to over the past few months?
"Well, my wife gave birth to our second child about a week after I finished filming at Coronation Street, so I've been spending a lot of time at home with the family, which has been wonderful. The previous couple of years had been pretty crazy, so it was really nice to spend a couple of months at home with my children and my wife. "I've...
"Well, my wife gave birth to our second child about a week after I finished filming at Coronation Street, so I've been spending a lot of time at home with the family, which has been wonderful. The previous couple of years had been pretty crazy, so it was really nice to spend a couple of months at home with my children and my wife. "I've...
- 10/20/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street star Graeme Hawley has praised the decision to involve Rosie Webster in his character John Stape's next storyline twist. John takes centre stage again in next week's episodes as he is back in Weatherfield in time for his wife Fiz's (Jennie McAlpine) murder trial. As revealed earlier in the year, he soon holds Rosie captive for a second time and starts coaching her to testify on his behalf in court. Speaking to Digital Spy about John's desperate plan, Hawley laughed: "She must be the most stable, sensitive and intelligent person that he knows! "No, I think the real reason is that it's a full circle thing for John. Everything started with Rosie for John, and he feels like he needs her to find some redemption." Discussing Rosie's attitude towards John, he continued: "It's definitely a scary experience (more)...
- 10/20/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street star Graeme Hawley has revealed that he would like to land a Hollyoaks role in order to bag a full set of UK soap appearances. The actor, who is best known for his role as Weatherfield's John Stape, previously played police officer Martin Crowe on Emmerdale and has also had parts in EastEnders and Doctors. Hawley told Pa: "It would be quite good to get the whole set. I was in EastEnders when I was nine years old, and I rode a bike across the Square and stood in a telephone box. "So I have, technically speaking, done Coronation Street, Emmerdale and EastEnders. And I've been in Doctors, so it's (more)...
- 10/19/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street star Graeme Hawley has revealed that viewers will see a "remorseful" side to his character John Stape when he makes his Weatherfield comeback. John's dramatic return episodes air next week, showing him descend on Weatherfield in time for his wife Fiz's trial and cause fresh chaos. Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) has recently been wrongly accused of three murders after being caught up in her husband's dark crimes. However, John is determined to make sure that she does not face a jail sentence. Hawley told Digital Spy of John's return: "He's in a very determined and single-minded state of mind. He knows exactly what he's got to do, which is get Fiz out of jail. John is absolutely determined that, one way or another, he'll make that happen." "He's completely remorseful for what he's done," (more)...
- 10/18/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street airs John Stape's dramatic return episodes later this month as he heads back to Weatherfield for Fiz's murder trial. Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) fears that her future looks bleak as she prepares for her first day in court and even considers pleading guilty to get a more lenient sentence until Chesney (Sam Aston) talks her out of it. As Fiz is led into court for the first day of the trial, we see that John is watching from afar, determined to make sure that his troubled wife isn't sent to jail for his crimes. John's intentions become clearer as he keeps watch on Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan) back on the street, and his plan soon plays out as he makes the shock decision to hold her captive for a second time! Rosie is horrified as John (Graeme Hawley) starts telling her the stories behind Colin, Charlotte and Joy's (more...
- 10/15/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine has praised John Stape's forthcoming return to the soap, describing the twist as "great" and admitting that her character Fiz still has feelings for her killer husband. Fiz stands trial for her partner's dark crimes later this month, but John (Graeme Hawley) will soon make a surprise return to Weatherfield in a bid to save her from a prison sentence. Reports have revealed that John will kidnap Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan) again and start coaching her to put forward his version of events at the trial, hoping his plan will allow him to clear Fiz's name without being brought to justice himself. McAlpine told All About Soap: "I just can't believe John's really doing that! That's what's great about Corrie - the audience will know he's there, but Fiz won't and (more)...
- 10/14/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan has promised that there are "dramatic" scenes in store on the soap as her character Rosie Webster faces a new kidnap ordeal. As first revealed last month, Rosie is to be held captive by twisted John Stape for a second time later this year after he makes a shock return to Weatherfield. John's (Graeme Hawley) comeback is expected to tie in with his wife Fiz's forthcoming murder trial. Reports have suggested that the killer will attempt to save Fiz from being sent down for his dark crimes. Flanagan told the Daily Star: "The thing with my character is that she is great fun. But you get to see a different side to her during the John Stape kidnap scenes, because they are very dramatic. "A vulnerable side comes out. Rosie can (more)...
- 9/26/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's John Stape will finally confess to his dark crimes after being critically injured in a car accident, a report has claimed. The Weatherfield villain, played by Graeme Hawley, returns to screens next month and it is thought that he soon causes chaos by kidnapping Rosie Webster for a second time. John's latest antics result in a high-speed car chase as Kevin Webster dramatically tries to rescue his daughter, according to the Daily Star. However, the newspaper claims that John is killed off after he loses control of his vehicle, causing it to somersault through the air. When it becomes clear that John will not pull through, he allegedly uses his last moments to speak to the police in hospital, confessing his involvement in the deaths of Colin Fishwick, (more)...
- 9/13/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Weatherfield beware - it looks like the rumours about John Stape are true! Back in June, it was reported that John will make a shock return to the soap later this year, making a dramatic reappearance to save wife Fiz as she stands trial for the dark crimes that he committed. The Mirror now reports that Graeme Hawley, who plays John, has been spotted filming scenes on location for his character's comeback. While Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) is led into court for her trial, viewers will apparently see John lurking in the shadows with a plan in mind... John's story reached a climax earlier this year as he went on (more)...
- 9/7/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
John Stape is to make his 'Corrie' comeback by kidnapping Rosie Webster for the second time. The sinister serial killer - played by Graeme Hawley - will return to the ITV1 soap in October after months on the run, but is immediately spotted on the cobbles by ditzy wannabe glamour model Rosie (Helen Flanagan). With wife Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) banged up in prison awaiting trial for his three heinous crimes, John - who has already served time in prison for snatching the brunette bombshell after having an affair with her while she was his pupil - sees no other option but...
- 8/5/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street's wannabe model Rosie Webster is to be kidnapped by twisted John Stape for a second time, a report has claimed. The feisty brunette, played by Helen Flanagan, comes face-to-face with John in October when he makes a shock return to Weatherfield, according to The Sun. John hopes to avoid being spotted by locals when he makes his comeback, but is apparently forced to snatch Rosie to keep her quiet when she sees him. A show source told the newspaper: "John has been known for his murders before but he now becomes a serial kidnapper as well. He snatches Rosie after it looks like she is going to let on he is back." Rosie was previously held captive by John (Graeme Hawley) (more)...
- 8/5/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
'Coronation Street' boss Phil Collinson admits he may have misjudged some of the soap's plots. The executive producer - who has been responsible for a number of hard-hitting storylines, including the reign of terror of evil John Stape (Graeme Hawley) - will try and "shift away from serial killers and crime" as the show moves forward. He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "We've been at the police station and the court a little bit too much. I can take that one on the chin. "We will shift away from serial killers and crime storylines in the coming months." Meanwhile, Phil suggested putting out five...
- 7/20/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Digital Spy presents the full list of nominees for the 2011 Inside Soap Awards. Best Actor
Chris Gascoyne (Peter Barlow) Coronation Street
Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) Coronation Street
Graeme Hawley (John Stape) Coronation Street
Nitin Ganatra (Masood Ahmed) EastEnders
Scott Maslen (Jack Branning) EastEnders
Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) EastEnders
Dominic Brunt (Paddy Kirk) Emmerdale
Danny Miller (Aaron Livesy) Emmerdale
Marc Silcock (Jackson Walsh) Emmerdale
Andrew Moss (Rhys Ashworth) Hollyoaks
Kieron Richardson (Ste Hay) Hollyoaks
Emmett J Scanlan (Brendan Brady) Hollyoaks Best Actress
Jane Danson (Leanne Barlow) Coronation Street
Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre) Coronation Street
Katherine Kelly (Becky McDonald) Coronation (more)...
Chris Gascoyne (Peter Barlow) Coronation Street
Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) Coronation Street
Graeme Hawley (John Stape) Coronation Street
Nitin Ganatra (Masood Ahmed) EastEnders
Scott Maslen (Jack Branning) EastEnders
Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) EastEnders
Dominic Brunt (Paddy Kirk) Emmerdale
Danny Miller (Aaron Livesy) Emmerdale
Marc Silcock (Jackson Walsh) Emmerdale
Andrew Moss (Rhys Ashworth) Hollyoaks
Kieron Richardson (Ste Hay) Hollyoaks
Emmett J Scanlan (Brendan Brady) Hollyoaks Best Actress
Jane Danson (Leanne Barlow) Coronation Street
Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre) Coronation Street
Katherine Kelly (Becky McDonald) Coronation (more)...
- 7/11/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
John Stape is poised to return to Coronation Street, it has been reported. The serial killer, who is played by Graeme Hawley, was last seen running away after surviving a 30ft fall from a hospital roof and being cornered by police. According to The Sun, John will dramatically burst into the courtroom where wife Fiz stands trial for the murders of Colin and Joy Fishwick and Charlotte Hoyle, and confess that he was the killer and that Fiz was not involved. "It will be a real shock for fans when John arrives in the nick of time," a source said. "Bosses are hoping it will be one of those classic moments in television when he returns to clear his wife's name."
It is believed that Fiz will still face charges for helping John move Colin's body from the Underworld factory to Weatherfield canal, but (more)...
It is believed that Fiz will still face charges for helping John move Colin's body from the Underworld factory to Weatherfield canal, but (more)...
- 6/22/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Fiz Stape will be jailed for three murders. The factory worker (Jennie McAlpine) will be charged with killing Colin Fishwick, his mother Joy and Charlotte Hoyle after her serial killer husband John Stape (Graeme Hawley) escaped to Ireland earlier this month. The ITV1 soap's boss Phil Collinson told TV show 'This Morning': "Fiz is going to be remanded in custody quite soon and she actually gets charged with three murders. "Her murder trial is going to come up across the autumn as well. There are lots of twists and turns." Fiz - who has a six-month-old daughter, Hope, with John - only...
- 6/18/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street's Fiz Stape will be jailed for three murders. The factory worker (Jennie McAlpine) will be charged with killing Colin Fishwick, his mother Joy and Charlotte Hoyle after her serial killer husband John Stape (Graeme Hawley) escaped to Ireland earlier this month. The ITV1 soap's boss Phil Collinson told TV show 'This Morning': "Fiz is going to be remanded in custody quite soon and she actually gets charged with three murders. "Her murder trial is going to come up across the autumn as well. There are lots of twists and turns." Fiz - who has a six-month-old daughter, Hope, with John - only...
- 6/16/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Jennie McAlpine has spoken of her desire to cameo in Benidorm as her Coronation Street character Fiz Stape. The 27-year-old admitted to being a fan of the ITV comedy and suggested that the Costa del Sol would be the perfect place for her character to retreat after the discovery of husband John's (Graeme Hawley) murderous streak. "I would jump at the chance of a cameo in Benidorm," she told The Sun's Buzz Magazine. "Maybe I could do it as Fiz? "She could go on holiday to Spain with baby Hope (more)...
- 6/11/2011
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Kym Marsh has spoken of her surprise upon hearing of co-star Sacha Parkinson's decision to leave Coronation Street. Marsh added that she is "settled" with the soap, and has no plans to follow other recent departures including Graeme Hawley and Craig Gazey. The actress is currently on maternity leave after giving birth to her third child, Polly, while her character (Michelle Connor) is working on a cruise ship. Writing in her column for New, she wrote: "I was quite shocked to hear that Sacha Parkinson, who plays Sian Powers, is leaving Corrie, but she's only young and she has her whole career ahead of her. "Soaps are great for people like me who are settled because they're a stable place to be, but if she wants to try her hand (more)...
- 6/8/2011
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
Graeme Hawley's final turn as John Stape pulled in nearly 9.7m viewers last night, early viewing figures indicate. Stape's dramatic exit attracted 9.4m (40.5%) at 9pm, alongside a further 280k on ITV1 +1. Both Emmerdale (7pm) and EastEnders (8pm) suffered earlier on, with the former grabbing 5.72m (35.5%), and the latter taking 5.02m (22.9%) versus Britain's Got Talent. However, BBC Three's 'Enders 10pm repeat managed 1.19m (5.2%) for Shirley's ultimatum to Phil. Meanwhile, Hollyoaks (more)...
- 6/4/2011
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street star Graeme Hawley has warned that there could be more sinister shocks in store for Fiz as the Stapes' dark storyline continues. Hawley's twisted character John Stape went on the run last night after Fiz finally discovered the truth about his involvement in the deaths of Charlotte Hoyle and Joy Fishwick. However, although John has gone Awol for now, his story is not yet over and his desire to reunite with his family has been tipped to draw him back to the cobbles before too long. Hawley told Corrie's official website: "Now that John's on the run, I think that Fiz is very nervous about it because there's no telling what he's going to do. Is he going to come back for Hope? Is he going to come back for [Fiz]? Or will he just try to get out of there now? "It's got to be a big...
- 6/1/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street star Graeme Hawley has admitted that playing John Stape any longer could have "ruined" his career. The actor, who has quit his role as the hapless murderer after four years, confessed that he left the show because he feared a viewer backlash due to John's actions. Hawley told the News of the World: "I had an affair with a schoolgirl, kidnapped her, buried a colleague, killed an old lady and murdered a friend. I loved the part but you would worry it was going too far - I think if I had stayed much longer it could have ruined my career. "I feared the backlash of playing a murderer. Once the viewers start to hate a character then that's it, you don't get another job. I'm pleased I left while people still felt sorry for John. It could have been horrendous if (more)...
- 5/29/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Graeme Hawley feels 'Coronation Street' would "ruin" his career if he stayed on the show. The crimes of the actor's character, evil killer John Stape, finally catch up with him on Friday (03.06.11) and Graeme is glad to be leaving before the show's writers take his storyline "too far". He told the News Of The World newspaper: "I had an affair with a schoolgirl, kidnapped her, buried a colleague, killed an old lady and murdered an old friend. "I loved the part, but you would worry it was going to far. I think if I had stayed too much longer it...
- 5/29/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Graeme Hawley has admitted that he embraced the chance to portray Coronation Street's John Stape as a likeable villain. The actor recently filmed his final scenes as John, whose story is expected to reach a dramatic climax in next week's post-watershed episodes of the soap. John has been involved in three deaths in the last year and is currently holding brother-in-law Chesney Brown captive in a cellar alongside the parents of Charlotte Hoyle, who was one of his victims. However, speaking on Loose Women this afternoon, Hawley commented: "I think the reason why the story has worked is that at the centre of it you have this incredibly boring, normal character that in any other situation, you just wouldn't even look twice at him. But then you put him into the most extraordinary situations that you can possibly imagine. For me, that's drama." (more)...
- 5/27/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
This is the moment that Coronation Street's Fiz Stape finally discovers that her husband John is hiding some shocking secrets. Over the past few months, viewers have watched John bury Colin Fishwick's body underneath the Underworld factory, kill bunny boiler Charlotte Hoyle and also contribute towards the death of kind-hearted Joy Fishwick. John (Graeme Hawley) has managed to shield Fiz from his most sinister crimes, but his devoted wife's world is about to come crashing down around her as she stumbles across the truth. In recent days, the pressure on John has increased as his brother-in-law Chesney and Charlotte's parents have all edged dangerously close to exposing his true colours, causing him to resort to desperate measures by holding them captive. To make matters worse, the factory floor is also being dug up, meaning that Colin's remains could (more)...
- 5/26/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Graeme Hawley feels 'Coronation Street' would "ruin" his career if he stayed on the show. The crimes of the actor's character, evil killer John Stape, finally catch up with him on Friday (03.06.11) and Graeme is glad to be leaving before the show's writers take his storyline "too far". He told the News Of The World newspaper: "I had an affair with a schoolgirl, kidnapped her, buried a colleague, killed an old lady and murdered an old friend. "I loved the part, but you would worry it was going to far. I think if I had stayed too much longer it...
- 5/26/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
John Stape's dark Coronation Street storyline reaches a dramatic climax next week in an explosive set of episodes which look set to change life in Weatherfield forever. As fresh building work starts to take place at Underworld in the next few days, John is left panic-stricken as he fears that Colin's body will be discovered. Quick-thinking as ever, the villain takes on a building job at the factory with the aim of secretly digging up Colin's remains and moving them elsewhere, but things go horribly wrong for John when his beloved wife Fiz walks in on his latest shocking act. The stage is then set for an unforgettable conclusion to the John Stape saga as he loses the plot one last time... Here, actor Graeme Hawley discusses his character's last bow. Does John really think he can dig up Colin's body without being caught?
"Well he's got (more)...
"Well he's got (more)...
- 5/24/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Graeme Hawley wants his own spin-off show. The 37-year-old actor - who plays killer John Stape in the ITV1 soap - thinks his character has had such a colourful life during his time in Weatherfield, which is set to come to an end next month, that it should be enough for a programme of his own. He said: "I'd suggest John runs away to Italy and starts a new life over there. "He's a very popular character. Maybe ITV would like to follow him to see what disasters befall him." The deranged teacher has had a controversial life on the cobbled streets,...
- 5/23/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street star Graeme Hawley has become a father for the second time. The actor, who plays John Stape in the ITV1 soap, announced that he and wife Elianne were expecting their second child on Loose Women earlier this year. Graeme has now confirmed on Twitter that they welcomed a baby boy on Wednesday and called him Henry. He wrote: "Eliane + I are very proud 2 announce (more)...
- 5/21/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
'Coronation Street's John Stape's getaway plan will be foiled this week when Colin Fishwick's body threatens to re-emerge. The hapless killer has been planning to disappear from the street with his wife Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) but John - who covered up Colin's death from a heart attack and stole his identity - finds his plans are severely disrupted when Owen Armstrong's (Ian Puleston-Davies) construction company starts work where Colin's body is hidden. Graeme Hawley, who plays John, said: "At this point John would have to be completely delusional to believe that there's any hope of a happy-ever-after for him. But he keeps...
- 5/13/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street star Sam Aston has promised that fans can expect "fantastic" exit scenes for the soap's hapless villain John Stape. Graeme Hawley, who plays the unlucky character, recently bowed out from the Weatherfield drama and his explosive departure is expected to air next month. John has been involved in three deaths over the past year, but his secrets look likely to emerge in the coming weeks as Aston's character Chesney Brown decides to investigate his brother-in-law's strange behaviour. Some reports have suggested that John himself could die as his plot reaches its conclusion, while others have stated that he will go on the run and flee the country. Speaking to All About Soap about what fans can expect, Aston teased: "Graeme (more)...
- 5/13/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Fiz Stape is to give up her baby daughter for adoption. With the terrified factory worker currently behind bars awaiting trial for her involvement in evil husband John Stape's (Graeme Hawley) killing spree, Fiz sees giving the tot to friends Hayley and Roy Cropper - played by Julie Hesmondhalgh and David Neilson - as the only way to guarantee her a good future. Although frantic Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) is allowed to keep baby Hope with her in the prison's mother and baby unit, she is convinced she will be locked up for life and begs Roy to care for her...
- 5/11/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street's Fiz Stape will hand her baby daughter over to the Croppers as she faces a possible murder sentence in a forthcoming plot twist, a report has claimed. According to the Daily Star, the devoted mum will be jailed in the coming weeks when she finds herself implicated in the deaths of Colin Fishwick, Joy Fishwick and Charlotte Hoyle. Viewers are aware that Fiz's twisted husband John (Graeme Hawley) was involved in all three deaths, while the factory worker currently knows nothing about his sinister secrets. However, she was recently tipped to start helping her partner in his attempts to keep his crimes under wraps, leading to suspicion that she was an accomplice all along. When the truth about John comes out at last, Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) will reportedly be sent behind bars as she awaits trial. Although she knows that she can have daughter (more)...
- 5/11/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Fiz Stape is to give up her baby daughter for adoption. With the terrified factory worker currently behind bars awaiting trial for her involvement in evil husband John Stape's (Graeme Hawley) killing spree, Fiz sees giving the tot to friends Hayley and Roy Cropper - played by Julie Hesmondhalgh and David Neilson - as the only way to guarantee her a good future. Although frantic Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) is allowed to keep baby Hope with her in the prison's mother and baby unit, she is convinced she will be locked up for life and begs Roy to care for her...
- 5/9/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
'Coronation Street' star Graeme Hawley broke down in tears as he paid tribute to his on-screen wife at his leaving party. The actor - who plays serial killer John Stape - is being written out of the ITV1 soap in an explosive storyline which will see him fake his own death, and at his farewell celebration in Manchester, Graeme praised Jennie McAlpine, calling her his "rock". He said: "I couldn't have done it without you." An insider added to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Everyone had a lump in their throat as Graeme told Jennie she'd been his rock. He also told...
- 5/9/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street star Graeme Hawley fought back tears as he said farewell to the soap at his leaving party last week, a report has claimed. The actor has now filmed his final scenes as hapless killer John Stape, whose dark storyline is expected to reach a conclusion in the coming weeks after his sinister secrets emerge at last. According to The Mirror, the Corrie team had a gathering late last week to say goodbye to Hawley and co-star Craig Gazey, who is bowing out as Graeme Proctor. It is thought that Hawley paid tribute to his on-screen wife Jennie McAlpine (Fiz) in a speech, saying: "I couldn't have done it without you." A source told the newspaper: "Everyone had a lump in their throat as Graeme told Jennie she'd been his rock. He also told us, 'I love you all'. (more)...
- 5/9/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Jennie McAlpine has admitted that some Coronation Street fans may need to watch episodes twice in order to fully understand the soap's Stape saga. The actress's alter ego Fiz Stape is currently unaware that husband John (Graeme Hawley) has been involved in three deaths after his sinister behaviour led to the loss of Colin Fishwick, Joy Fishwick and bunny boiler Charlotte Hoyle. To make matters more complicated, Fiz is also keeping a big secret from John as she recently posed as 'Mrs Fishwick' to claim Joy's inheritance. In an interview with Inside Soap, McAlpine confessed: "I love the storyline but I'm slightly confused. There are so many different (more)...
- 4/18/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street character Fiz Stape will be arrested for murder after helping husband John dispose of a body, it has been reported. When John discovers that Underworld is to be dug up for drainage work, Fiz - played by Jennie McAlpine - will help him move Colin Fishwick's body and dump it in the canal, according to the News of the World. She will believe that it's the body of brother Chesney, who John (Graeme Hawley) is holding hostage in cellar. The murderer convinces her otherwise and claims that Colin's death was an accident - but admits to killing Colin's mum Joy. He then flees with baby (more)...
- 4/17/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
New photographs from the Coronation Street set appear to confirm that John Stape could kill himself at the dramatic conclusion of his current storyline. In recent weeks, it has been claimed that John, played by Graeme Hawley, will be driven to desperate measures after fearing that the body of Colin Fishwick will be discovered underneath the Underworld factory. Photographs obtained by the Daily Mail appear to confirm the shock plot twist, with John and wife Fiz Stape (Jennie McAlpine) pictured on top of a roof with baby daughter Hope. It is thought that John will conceal himself in the attic of their Weatherfield home, before being caught by wife Fiz, resulting in a chase which sees the unlucky mother knocked down and admitted to hospital. In the new images, Fiz is seen to be wearing a dressing gown with a bandage on her head, (more)...
- 4/12/2011
- by By Naomi Rainey
- Digital Spy
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