ITV Coronation Street star 'to make shock return' months after on-screen exit

Coronation Street viewers are set to see a familiar face return to Weatherfield later this year, it's been reported this week, following their last appearance on the show last year

A familiar face to Coronation Street viewers is said to be returning to Weatherfield after having left months ago.

Former cast member Matt Milburn has made several appearances as Tommy Orpington on the ITV soap over the years. The character was last seen in Weatherfield last year before embarking on a new life in Spain with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) after their affair was exposed to her family.

It's now been reported that actor Matt has filmed more scenes for Corrie, with his return as former footballer Tommy expected to air in the coming weeks on the show. His apparent reprisal of his role - which he first played in 2016 - has yet to be announced by those behind the show though.

Matt is set to reprise his role for a "short stint" later this year, according to the Sun. A source told the outlet: "Matt will be back for a little stint in the spring and then he'll go again." The source added: "He was back filming the first week of January after his run in Panto over Christmas came to an end." They concluded by telling the outlet: "Everyone was delighted to see him around the set."

Long-running character Tracy began an affair with decorator Tommy at the start of last year after he was hired to do some work at the home she shared with her husband Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) and their family. Speaking about the storyline at the time, Kate told the Mirror last year that Tracy had felt "fed up" with her life and was "really bored" prior to embarking on the affair. She further teased: "I haven't had a storyline as meaty as this for quite a long time."

Their romantic relationship began with a kiss in her kitchen, which led to more intimacy - though the pair initially agreed that nothing would happen again. They however ended up having an affair for some time before Steve found out. Tracy later decided to move abroad with Tommy, though she has since returned to Weatherfield in recent months without him.

Tommy had previously appeared on occasion and Matt spoke about getting a "substantial" storyline with the affair whilst on Lorraine in February last year. He said in the interview: "[I came in] for bits and bobs, sort of four or five episodes here and there, and then got the phone call for this stint and I was like 'at last, y'know, something substantial to get my teeth into'."

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