Maxine Peacock

Infobox soap character
series=Coronation Street
color=#F0E68C


name=Maxine Peacock
portrayer=Tracy Shaw
first=3 May, 1995
last=13 January, 2003
born=15 July, 1975
death=13 January, 2003
occupation= Stylist
spouse= Ashley Peacock (1999-2003)
children = Joshua Peacock
parents = Derek Heavey
Doreen Heavey
books = Coronation Street: The Complete Saga

Maxine Marion Louise Peacock (née Heavey) was a fictional character played by Tracy Shaw on the British soap opera "Coronation Street".

Overview

Maxine Heavey first appeared as a friend of Fiona Middleton's from college, working in Denise Osborne's salon. She was very much a good-time girl, and had relationships, often one-night-stands, with several of the male characters, including Steve McDonald (to get back at Fiona as he was Fiona's ex) and Curly Watts (when she was drunk). Maxine became a major character and her seemingly mismatched romance with Ashley Peacock provided the majority of her later storylines. Her end came as one of the victims of resident "Coronation Street" serial killer, Richard Hillman.

Relationship with Ashley Peacock

Seeking security, Maxine married Ashley Peacock in 1999. In 2000, she suspected Ashley of an affair, but happily, realised he had been faithful to her. Difficulties in the marriage emerged, however, when Maxine had trouble becoming pregnant by Ashley. On the night that he had surgery to assist with this problem, Maxine slept with local doctor Matt Ramsden and became pregnant.

Joshua Peacock's Parentage

Maxine gave birth to her only child, Joshua, prematurely after a confrontation with Ashley, during which he found out about her fling with Matt. Ashley was furious with his wife, but was determined not to let anyone else on the street know that the child might not be his. Ashley was determined to get a DNA test done to be certain of Joshua's parentage, despite Maxine's protestations that the test was unnecessary and that they could mend their relationship. On the day the test was to be done however, Ashley realized that Maxine was truly sorry for what had happened and that they could in fact be a happy family together. He forgave Maxine and took both her and Joshua home without getting the test done.

Following Maxine's death, it emerged that Joshua was not Ashley's biological son, and had been fathered by Matt Ramsden. Though Matt considered seeking custody for a time, believing that with Maxine dead, Joshua should be with his other natural parent, he eventually realised Joshua was happy with Ashley. Ashley and his new wife, Claire, continue to raise Joshua as their own.

Maxine's Demise

Maxine was murdered by Richard Hillman. Richard Hillman planned to kill Emily Bishop and broke into Ashley and Maxine's house on a night when Emily was babysitting Joshua, planning to make it seem as if the elderly woman had been killed during a bungled burglary. Maxine returned home along early from the Rovers Return Inn to witness Richard hit Emily over the head with a crowbar. Maxine's final words were to Richard: "What are you doing?" to which he replied "You should have stayed in the pub, Maxine." As Joshua started crying, Maxine tried to run upstairs, but Richard beat her to death with the crowbar.