John Thomson is set to return to 'Coronation Street'.
John Thomson is set to return to Coronation Street
The 55-year-old actor - who is best known for appearing in ITV drama 'Cold Feet' - previously played biker Gary in 1990, and then returned to the cobbles as children's entertainer Jesse Chadwick in the ITV soap from 2008 to 2010.
John is now expected to make another cobbles comeback as part of 'Corrie' legend Helen Worth's exit storyline.
Helen is to bow out of the soap as Weatherfield icon Gail Rodwell at the end of the year, and Sean Wilson - who played her ex-husband Martin Platt - was due to return to the show, but he recently "stepped down for personal reasons".
Speaking of John's cobbles comeback, a source told The Sun newspaper: "So many new departure storylines for Gail were mooted but they were set on a love interest one - which proved tricky as she buried five of her six ex-husbands.
"And the remaining living one, Martin, was obviously axed in real life.
"They wanted a recognisable name and plumped for John as his character was popular with viewers and a real blast from the past."
Over the years, Gail has regularly clashed with Eileen Grimshaw, who Jesse dated during his time in Weatherfield.
The source added: "Obviously his character, Jesse, had a doomed fling with Eileen, so they thought having him come back onto the cobbles and flirt with Eileen’s frenemy would be both funny and a fantastic final fling.
"Of course, it would also leave the door open for Gail’s return one day should she ever fancy a special cameo."
In June, 'Corrie' announced Helen will step down from her role as Gail at the end of the year after 50 years on the cobbles.
Actor and cheesemaker Sean was then expected to return as Martin - who he first played from 1985 to 2005 - as part of Helen's departure plot, and just last month the star admitted he was "looking forward" to reuniting with his 'Corrie' family.
He said in a statement: "It was great to be invited back to ['Coronation Street'] again, to contribute to Helen’s exit story.
"We’ll have a few months to catch up with Martin and Gail again, following the ebbs and flows of the unfolding storyline.
"Playing Martin has been a joy since day one and in a way, I’ll be slipping back to where I left off, which no doubt will throw a spanner into the heart of the Platt family.
"It’s just like slipping on an old and comfortable jumper from the back of the wardrobe ... I’m looking forward to reuniting with my TV family."
However, he has since stepped down.
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