Coronation Street's Stephen Reid is set to be exposed next week as he plots to kill his fiancée Elaine Jones for her life insurance payout. The Canadian businessman, played by Todd Boyce, has already murdered three people: builder Leo Thompkins, his father Teddy Thompkins, and client Rufus Donahue.
Stephen is not the first soap villain with a high body count. Pat Phelan, played by Connor McIntyre, wreaked havoc on Weatherfield, killing Michael, Vinny, Andy Carver, and Luke. He was eventually stabbed to death by Anna Windass in June.
Hollyoaks' Silas, played by Jeff Rawle, murdered several women, including his own daughter Heidi Costello. He held pregnant Mercedes McQueen hostage and last appeared in 2016 after killing Lindsey Butterfield, the Glove Handed Killer.
EastEnders' Nick Cotton, played by John Altman, killed pensioner Reg Cox in the show's first episode, later murdered Eddie Royle, and caused the death of his son Ashley. He also attempted to poison his mother Dot for her bingo winnings.
Coronation Street's Richard Hillman, played by Brian Capron, killed his partner Duggie Ferguson, ex-wife Patricia, and Maxine Peacock. He also attempted to murder Emily Bishop and set fire to Audrey Roberts' house.
