Coronation Street Legend Todd Boyce Reflects on Steven Reid’s Tragic Death and His Farewell to Weatherfield After 27 Years 💔
It’s the end of an era on Coronation Street — and the heartbreak is real. Fans are still reeling from the emotional farewell of Todd Boyce, whose portrayal of the twisted and tormented Steven Reid ended in a shocking and tragic death. After nearly three decades of appearances, Boyce has officially closed the chapter on one of Weatherfield’s most complex villains — and opened up about how it feels to say goodbye for good.
The End of Steven Reid — A Legacy of Lies, Love, and Loss
Since his first appearance in Coronation Street back in 1996, Steven Reid has been a figure of fascination and fear. The charming businessman, who once seemed destined for success, spiraled into darkness — evolving into one of the most chilling figures the cobbles have ever seen.
Over the years, viewers watched him manipulate, deceive, and destroy those closest to him, including members of his own family. But it wasn’t until his return in 2022 that Steven’s story reached its breaking point. What began as a comeback for redemption became a descent into obsession, culminating in a trail of lies and bloodshed that ultimately led to his own downfall.
By the time his reign of terror ended in 2023, Steven had become irredeemable. His final moments — an unhinged confrontation with Sarah Barlow and Jenny Connor — brought years of deceit crashing down in a violent crescendo. And when Peter Barlow mowed him down in one of the year’s most shocking soap moments, Steven’s fate was sealed.
Or was it?
“Is He Really Gone?” — The Death That Sparked Fan Theories
Todd Boyce’s final scene as Steven left fans divided — and full of questions. As the camera lingered on Steven’s lifeless body being zipped into a bag, eagle-eyed viewers swore they saw the faintest hint of a smile.
“There was the tiniest bit of what looked like a faint smile when they were zipping up the body,” Boyce revealed in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk. “It left fans questioning, is he really dead? But yeah — he’s really dead.”
Still, the actor couldn’t help but joke about the soap’s long tradition of impossible comebacks. “I guess he could come back as his long-lost twin brother with a different accent,” he laughed. “Maybe that would be fun.”
But behind the humor lies a sense of finality. After 27 years of playing one of Corrie’s most morally complex characters, Boyce is content to close the door.
Todd Boyce on Saying Goodbye to Steven Reid
When asked how it felt to end such a long-running journey, Boyce’s tone was one of pride — and peace.
“It was such a great arc, and it was played out over 27 years,” he said. “It’s just wrapped it up in a bow for me. To have played a villain and to draw a line under it is good. Instead of it hovering above my head, wondering if I’ll ever be called back — this feels complete.”
He even found humor in his final exit: “A lot of people leave in a taxi — and I left under a taxi. So yeah, I was really happy with it. It was a lovely package that was fully formed and complete.”
Boyce’s words echo what many fans feel — that Steven Reid’s story, while dark and disturbing, was one of Coronation Street’s most satisfying villain arcs in years.
Did Steven Get the Ending He Deserved?
When it comes to justice, soap viewers often debate whether a villain’s end truly fits their crimes. For Boyce, there’s no doubt that Steven’s fate was justified.
“I think he was getting a taste for these murders towards the end,” the actor admitted. “He was getting fairly ruthless — and he was just so far into it that he became irredeemable. I think he got what he deserved.”
Boyce also believes that audiences were ready for the story to reach its conclusion. “The viewers wanted him brought to justice,” he said. “So I think it worked out best for everyone.”
Still, there’s a sense of tragedy in Steven’s story — not just in his crimes, but in what drove him to commit them. His desperate need for control, validation, and love made him a deeply human villain, even as his actions grew monstrous.
From Murderer to Widower — Todd Boyce’s Next Chapter
While fans mourn the loss of one of Corrie’s most infamous villains, Todd Boyce is already embracing a new challenge — one that couldn’t be further from Steven Reid’s darkness.
The actor is stepping onto the stage for the world premiere of “Possum Trot”, a heartfelt and humorous play set to debut at London’s Tabard Theatre this November. Boyce will play Dwayne, a kind-hearted widower from small-town Nebraska, in a role that promises to showcase his range and warmth.
“Possum Trot” follows Maxine, a resilient diner owner fighting to keep her town alive while juggling her chaotic family. Written by award-winning playwright Kathy Rucker, the play offers a powerful message about resilience, humor, and community — themes that stand in stark contrast to the turmoil of Coronation Street.
For Boyce, it’s an exciting opportunity to show a softer side. “After years of playing a killer, it’s a joy to take on a character who’s gentle, compassionate, and full of heart,” he said.
The production will run from November 12 to November 29, 2025, with tickets starting at £23.50. Fans eager to see Boyce in this radically different role can already feel the buzz surrounding his stage debut.
Remembering Steven Reid: A Villain for the Ages
Few characters in Coronation Street history have left such a lasting impression as Steven Reid. His transformation from charming schemer to cold-blooded killer was a slow, methodical burn — a testament to both the writing team and Todd Boyce’s hauntingly nuanced performance.
Steven wasn’t just a villain; he was a cautionary tale. His obsession with power and control reflected the dangers of unchecked ambition and emotional isolation. Even in his final moments, when the façade crumbled, Boyce played him with an eerie sense of vulnerability — reminding viewers that beneath every monster lies a broken man.
As Weatherfield moves forward, Steven’s absence will be deeply felt. His crimes may be over, but their consequences will continue to ripple through the lives of Sarah, Jenny, and the Barlow family for years to come.
A Farewell Fans Won’t Forget
With nearly 300 episodes under his belt, Todd Boyce’s farewell marks the end of one of Coronation Street’s longest-running arcs. His departure isn’t just the loss of a character — it’s the closing of a legacy that defined a generation of Corrie storytelling.
As fans prepare to welcome new faces and fresh drama, Steven Reid’s shadow will linger — a reminder that the cobbles are never short of secrets, scandals, and stories that hit close to home.
Todd Boyce may have walked away from Weatherfield, but he leaves behind an indelible mark — one of darkness, brilliance, and unforgettable drama.
And in true Coronation Street fashion, just when we think we’ve seen the last of him… the whispers begin again.
Because in Weatherfield, no one ever truly stays gone. 💔