Coronation Street is set for big changes in the coming weeks. A well-known character is returning with a new actor, while two new characters will make their debut. Alongside them, three former stars are also making a comeback as part of the soap’s 65th-anniversary shake-up. New boss Kate Brooks has been working to bring fresh energy to the show, following recent cast exits and financial challenges at ITV—and it seems to be working.
James Bailey Returns With a New Actor
James Bailey will return on March 17, with Jason Callender taking over the role from Nathan Graham, who played James from 2019 to 2022. He has been living in the US with his partner Danny but is now coming back to visit his family and check in on his sister Dee-Dee. His return will show what he has been up to since leaving and what he is looking for now.
Callender, who is taking over the role, described James as determined and someone who always follows through on what he sets his mind to. He also mentioned that James loves his family and has a strong desire to become a dad. In addition to James’ return, two fresh characters will soon be introduced, each bringing their own drama to the cobbles.
Carl Webster Is Joining In Too
Jonathan Howard, best known for Downton Abbey, will play Carl Webster, Kevin Webster’s younger half-brother. Carl will appear for the first time on April 11, but his introduction won’t be smooth. He gets into an argument with Abi over a parking space before they realise she is his brother’s wife.
Kevin and Debbie will now have to decide whether they are happy about their younger brother sticking around and what his true intentions might be. Howard, who plays Carl, suggested that the character has a bit of a selfish streak, especially when it comes to his personal life.
Theo Silverton Comes In
James Cartwright, also from Downton Abbey, joins the cast as Theo Silverton. He will appear for the first time on March 25. Theo works as a scaffolder but quickly annoys Julie and George. Todd steps in to help fix things, and there is an instant attraction between him and Theo.
However, Theo keeps his feelings unclear. Cartwright hinted that Theo arrives with good intentions but may not always handle things the right way, which could lead to some tensions. While new characters are exiting, Coronation Street is also focusing on bringing back familiar faces. Ryan Thomas, Katy Cavanagh, and Catherine Tyldesley are all making a comeback, marking an effort by Kate Brooks to revive the soap after recent cast exits.
Ryan Thomas Returns as Jason Grimshaw
One of the most anticipated returns is Ryan Thomas, who will reprise his role as Jason Grimshaw. He is coming back later this month, just in time for Eileen Grimshaw’s departure. A source revealed that Thomas saw Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen, as a second mother figure, and that’s why he’s going to play a major role in her send-off. Though he hasn’t acted for a while, he was eager to return to the cobbles, given his long history with the show.
While fans are excited about upcoming returns, one has already taken place. Katy Cavanagh has made her comeback as Julie Carp, but her return comes with a heartbreaking storyline. Julie has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and her return is part of Eileen’s farewell. This will mark a permanent exit for Julie. Another exciting return is Catherine Tyldesley, who will reprise her role as Eva Price. After years away, she has finally found the right storyline to bring her back. Catherine Tyldesley is set to return this summer as Eva Price.
She had been approached to return before, but the timing was never right. However, the storyline for Eva’s comeback convinced her to say yes this time. A source revealed that Tyldesley had missed being part of Coronation Street and had been considering a return for a while. When she was presented with the current storyline, she felt it was too good of an opportunity to turn down.
As James Bailey returns, Carl Webster and Theo Silverton will be arriving, and fan-favorites Jason Grimshaw, Julie Carp, and Eva Price will be coming back. Coronation Street is heading into an exciting new phase. How excited are you for this? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more updates.
