A spokeswoman said Arnold had never gone missing in the past

The 32-year-old, who plays butcher Ashley Peacock, was absent on Friday, causing a day's filming to be scrapped.

"Steven has apologised to his fellow cast and crew and everybody involved in the hold-up," said a spokesman for the ITV soap opera.

Arnold was told to explain his absence to producers on Monday, but the meeting was postponed to catch up with filming.

"It was decided that filming the missed scenes were essential in keeping the filming schedule rolling," said the spokesman.

'Couldn't find him'

ITV said the meeting would "possibly" take place later this week.

Arnold joined Coronation Street 11 years ago, having previously appeared in shows such as The Bill, Hetty Wainthrop Investigates and Children's Ward.

A spokeswoman for the soap said: "We couldn't raise him or find him all Friday and Saturday. I don't know if he was ill or unaware he was needed for filming.

"He has never done it before and I am sure he won't do it again."