Ryan Thomas has revealed that he turned down an offer to return to Coronation Street for its 60th anniversary.

The soap celebrates the milestone birthday next month with a community-based storyline that sees the residents of the street come together to stop a property developer bulldozing one half of it.

Thomas played the part of Jason Grimshaw on the soap between 2000 and 2016 and, speaking to the Daily Star, he admitted that he was recently offered the chance to reunite with the Grimshaw clan - including newly-recast brother Todd (Gareth Pierce) - but had to turn it down due to other work commitments.

"They did ask me back, but I was away at the time. I was away or something was going on," he said. "I just wasn't around at the time otherwise I would have been there.

"The show has a place close to my heart. I'm honoured I could be a part of it for so long.

"It has been a massive part of a lot of people's lives. Even the theme tune!"

On screen, Jason is said to be living in Thailand but remains in regular contact with mum Eileen (Sue Cleaver).