Nicola Thorp is set to return to 'Coronation Street' in 2019.
Nicola Thorp
The 30-year-old star is expected to reprise her role as Nicola Rubenstein in the new year after previously managing to escape the clutches of her evil serial killer father Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre), who was eventually stabbed to death following a reign of terror.
A show source said: "Everyone is thrilled Nicola is coming back. She was always really popular on set and has so many friends in the cast.
"Producers think it is the perfect time to bring her character back.
"Nicola jumped at the chance to do more. She loved her first year on 'Corrie' and wants to stay part of the family."
Nicola swapped Weatherfield for Bristol with her and Gary Windass' (Mikey North) son Zack following Pat's death, but she will return to the cobbles to see Pat's wife Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) and "ruffle some feathers" upon her comeback.
The source added to the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: "Over Christmas we'll learn Gary Windass has gone to visit Nicola in Bristol because baby Zack is poorly. And then in the new year Nicola returns to Weatherfield to see Eileen.
"This doesn't go down well with everyone - her return certainly ruffles a few feathers.
"The hope is for Nicola to keep coming and going so her storylines continue to be exciting."
Nicola was last seen on the cobbles in mid-June, and just a few weeks later her co-star Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor) hinted her fellow 'Corrie' actress wouldn't be away from Weatherfield for long.
She said: "It was announced recently that Nicola Thorp is leaving the soap. I'm sure it's not the last we've seen of her - she's a great actress."
Nicola admitted at the time she was "sad" to say goodbye to her co-stars.
She said: "Hey everyone, I just wanted to say I've had the most incredible year here working at Corrie.
"To be involved in Phelan's demise has been an absolute treat, and I hope you've all been enjoying it as much as I have enjoyed filming it.
"I've got wonderful friends, a family that I've made here, and I'll be really, really sad to say goodbye for now.
"Thanks for having me, and keep on watching. You've been the most incredible fans that anyone can ever ask for, so thank you."
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