Coronation Street legend set to return after nearly 10 years

Do you want any other characters to make a comeback as part of Eileen Grimshaw's exit storyline? <i>(Image: Fabio De Paola/PA)</i>
Do you want any other characters to make a comeback as part of Eileen Grimshaw's exit storyline? (Image: Fabio De Paola/PA)
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A Coronation Street favourite is set to return to the cobbles after almost 10 years away.

Ryan Thomas who played the role of Jason Grimshaw from 2000 until 2016, will reportedly be making a comeback as part of his on-screen mum's (Eileen Grimshaw) exit storyline.

Nine years ago, Jason said farewell to Weatherfield when he embarked on his journey for a new life in Thailand.

But now he is rumoured to begin filming scenes again as a special guest later this month, and his return has been described as a “no-brainer” by insiders.

Coronation Street's Ryan Thomas set to return after 9 years

A source told The Sun: “It was a no brainer for Ryan to return when he was asked - it’s all for Sue.

“She’s like a second mum to him and he was willing to do anything to make her send off as special as she deserves it to be.

“He’s not acted for a while so it’s a bit daunting but he played Jason for so long that he’s looking forward to going back to the cobbles.”

Since Ryan left the ITV soap after 16 years, he has briefly appeared on Neighbours and won Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.


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Most recently, he was crowned the winner of Dancing on Ice in 2024.

Jason isn’t the only character to be returning for Eileen’s departure as recently her half-sister Julie Carp (Katy Cavanagh) came back after a 10-year absence from Corrie.

Julie first arrived in Weatherfield in 2008 after a holiday romance with Kirk Sutherland (Andy Whyment).

After 25 years, Sue announced her departure from Coronation Street to step outside her “comfort zone” and “do something new”.

She told the panel on ITV’s Loose Women: “I’m now 61 and I feel I’m now at a stage in my life, like most mums we have responsibilities, we have other things we have to consider [and] we’re bringing up our families.

“And I’ve got to the stage, my son is grown up now, he’s 29, I have no responsibilities left and I want to do something new.

“I want this decade to be about me. I really want to empower other women. Society at this point wants us all to shuffle off, don’t they. Just go away quietly, ‘you’ve had your days’.


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“No, this is my decade. I’m more excited about this decade, hopefully you know, as long as I remain well, that this is going to be the most exciting decade for me. I’m really excited.

“There have been moments of fear about stepping outside your comfort zone, but I strongly believe that only good things happen, nothing good happens if you don’t step out of your comfort zone.”

Newsquest has contacted Coronation Street for comment.

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