Former Coronation Street favourite Steven Arnold has opened up about a terrifying health crisis that left him fighting for his life and facing the potential loss of his leg.
The actor, best known for playing Ashley Peacock on the iconic ITV soap for 16 years, revealed he contracted sepsis after a routine gardening accident took a dangerous turn.
The Gardening Incident That Turned Deadly
What began as a simple gardening session at his home quickly escalated into a life-threatening situation. "I was gardening and got a tiny cut on my leg - nothing serious, or so I thought," Arnold shared. "Within days, I was in hospital being told I could lose my leg, or worse."
The 54-year-old actor described how the minor injury became infected, leading to sepsis - a potentially fatal condition where the body's response to infection causes tissue damage and organ failure.
Hospital Nightmare and Recovery Journey
"The doctors were absolutely brilliant but very clear about the seriousness of my condition," Arnold recalled. "They told me straight: 'We might have to amputate.' That was the moment everything became terrifyingly real."
After extensive treatment and hospital stays, the actor has made a remarkable recovery, though he continues to manage the aftermath of his health scare. His experience has left him with a new perspective on life and health.
Life After Coronation Street
Since leaving Weatherfield in 2010, Arnold has continued his acting career while also embracing new challenges. The sepsis battle has given him fresh appreciation for his post-soap life and career opportunities.
"When you face something like that, it changes you," he reflected. "You realise what's truly important and how quickly everything can change."
The actor's harrowing experience serves as a stark warning about taking even minor injuries seriously and recognising the signs of sepsis before it's too late.
