Richard Hillman Spectacular Scene' and his murders were voted 'Best Storyline'. In a 2003 "TVTimes" poll, Richard was voted the top soap villain of all time. Richard Hillman Richard Hillman is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera, "Coronation Street", played by Brian Capron. Richard first appeared on 20 June 2001 following the death of his cousin Alma Baldwin (Amanda Barrie). He later went on to develop a love interest in Alma's close friend Gail Platt (Helen Worth) and marry her. He also leaves his colleague Duggie Ferguson (John Bowe) to die, kills his ex-wife Patricia (Annabelle Apsion), sets his
Coronation Street achievement was the introduction of Hayley Patterson (Julie Hesmondhalgh), the first transsexual character in a British soap. Some viewers were alienated by the new "Coronation Street", and sections of the media voiced their disapproval. Having received criticism of being too out of touch, "Corrie" now struggled to emulate the more modern "Brookside" and "EastEnders". In the "Daily Mirror", Victor Lewis-Smith wrote: "Apparently it doesn't matter that this is a first-class soap opera, superbly scripted and flawlessly performed by a seasoned repertory company." One of "Coronation Street"'s best known storylines took place in March/April 1998, with Deirdre Rachid (Anne Kirkbride) being