Coronation Street's Graeme Hawley tells TV Times magazine about John Stape’s killing spree, and having one of the most recognisable faces on telly... We’re really sad to see John’s time on Coronation Street come to an end this week, Graeme... “I’ve been very lucky that we’ve been able to get so much mileage out of this character. You knew John was a wrong ‘un from week two, really. Ultimately, those kind of characters have to get their comeupance, and I don’t mean it in a boastful way, but to keep going for four and a half years must be something of a record.” Can you give anything away about John’s exit? “I won’t say whether he dies or not, but there’s more of a full stop.” Intriguing! What do you make of John, though? “He’s got to be one of the nicest serial killers in the history of television. On the one side, you’ve got this villain - a murderer, adulterer, kidnapper - and on the other side, you’ve got this really nice, boring guy, who only wanted to teach and have a family. And look where it got him!” It’s been quite a rollercoaster for you, too. You’re now one of the most recognisable faces on telly! “Stepping out of those gates at Granada studios when I finish, the world is a very different place for me than when I walked in, four and a half years ago. But it’s strange how you come to accept that recognition as part of life, and there are some wonderful things about it. I write a column for Coventry City’s programme, now. I’ve supported them since I was 10, and never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be doing that.”
