Richard Hillman

Backstory

Before arriving in Coronation Street, Richard was a financial advisor with two previous marriages. First wife was Marian, who wanted children, but Richard wanted to take care of his sick mother. Not wanting to look after an old pensioner, Marian left him and divorced. After his mother died, he married Patricia. She wanted children as well, but they found out that Richard was infertile. She left Richard as well and they divorced.

Arrival and relationship with Gail Platt

Richard first arrived in June 2001 at Alma Baldwin's funeral, claiming to be her cousin. However, some believe he was lying and was an opportunist, but it hasn't been confirmed in the show if he was lying or not. He began a relationship with Gail Platt who had just divorced her husband Martin. He moved in with her and the kids, and won them over by buying them expensive gifts. However, David was suspicious of Richard, nicknaming him 'Icky Dicky'.

Murders

Richard is well known for the string of murders he commited over the time he was in the show.

Duggie's Death

Richard set up a business called Kellett Towers, which specialised in buy-back mortgages where he would buy a person's house outright, but they would be free to reside there until their death. Richard also went into business with Duggie Ferguson, building an estate of new homes. Hillman confronted Duggie at the flats during a disagreement about Duggie's shoddy workmanship. During the argument Duggie fell several floors when a bannister gave way (ironically, due to his own shoddy workmanship). Duggie was critically injured, however, Richard left him to die, opportunisticly allowing the incident to remove his unwanted business partner. He panicked at first, whipping out his mobile and dialling emergency services. However, he only dialled '99' before stopping, then he went to Duggie's flat to steal the large amount of cash Duggie stored there.

Return of Patrica

Richard's ex-wife Patrica returned to the Street demanding money from Richard for their business. She was moving to Australia and wanted the money from the share of the business. Richard was furious and smashed her face in with a shovel after she threatened to tell everyone about Richard's past. She was killed instantly and buried under cement where new flats were being built. Relieved, Richard married Gail a couple of months later.

To be continued