Coronation Street has named Gareth Pierce as the new actor to play the character of Todd Grimshaw when he returns to the cobbles later this year.

Todd was last seen in Weatherfield almost three years ago as he went on the run after hitting a police officer - while in real life, actor Bruno Langley, who had played the character on and off for 16 years, was fired by the show after admitting sexual assault of a woman in a nightclub.

Now the role has been recast, with Welsh actor Pierce - known for Stella and The Archers - due to make his debut as Todd in episodes to be shown in the coming months.

The seeds of the character's return will be set on the soap next week when Mary and Sean receive a letter from Todd asking for money. With Eileen away in Thailand visiting Jason, the pair enlist the help of Todd's ex Billy in order to help track him down.

"I'm thrilled to be joining such an iconic show, and to have been entrusted with taking Todd forward into some really exciting storylines," said Pierce.

"It's an honour to be part of the dedicated Coronation Street team in such unprecedented times."

Corrie continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV.