Tricky Dicky has murder in mind

Actor Brian Capron has murder in mind as he gets in character as evil businessman Richard Hillman in the latest storyline to grip Coronation Street.

As possibly the world’s most sinister financial advisor, Richard has dished out his fair share of dodgy money advice, attempted to see off mother-in-law Audrey and left a trail of bodies in his wake including former Rovers’ landlord Duggie Ferguson and his ex-wife Patricia.

His latest exploits will see him try to frame bad boy Aidan Critchley, as dressed in Ade’s trademark coat and hat he sets off on his deadly quest.

Poor Alma would be turning in her grave if she could see what her dastardly cousin was up to.

Fifty-three-year-old Capron relishes his role as arguably the street’s most evil villain, but says the scenes when he had to remove Audrey’s smoke alarm battery gave him nightmares.

“I haven’t had a nightmare for years but the other night I had such a bad dream it took me 15 minutes to snap out of it,” he recalls. “I was screaming. I dreamt there was a witch coming through the door to me.”

It’s a far cry since his days as teacher Stuart Hopwood in Grange Hill, when his nightmares centred on guiding a rebellious Suzanne – actress Susan Tully who later found fame as EastEnders’ Michelle Fowler – through her exams.

And if Richard meets a sticky end in Coronation Street he could always go back to London’s most famous comprehensive.

“I’d love to go back as headmaster,” he confides.