Coronation Street has announced the return of Tracie Bennett to the cobbles after a 22-year absence.
The actress first played the character of Sharon Gaskell, later Sharon Bentley - the foster daughter of Rita (Barbara Knox) - between 1982 and 1984, making a brief comeback in 1999.
The last time Sharon was in Weatherfield, she was gifted the Kabin by Rita but then announced her intention to sell it in order to buy a house in Bolton with new husband Ian.
A fuming Rita bought the Kabin back herself and sent Sharon packing, but in a new storyline, Rita will decide to give her "another chance" when she shows up on the street next month.
Jenny Connor (Sally Ann Matthews) is less than impressed with Sharon's sudden appearance, while she also has past grievances with Sally (Sally Dynevor) and Leanne (Jane Danson).
"I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to the cobbles," said Bennett. "It is a dream come true for me, I had such an amazing time there and I am looking forward to working with Barbara again and getting my teeth into the storylines they have planned for Sharon.
"I was first approached about coming back about 18 months ago, I was keen and excited to see what was in store but my work schedule and then the pandemic has meant that it has taken till now for it all to come together. I am so pleased that I can finally tell everyone as it has been hard trying to keep the secret."
Corrie executive producer Iain MacLeod said: "It's extremely exciting to see someone of Tracie's calibre revisit a role so rich in history and with such a complicated psychology.
"Sharon returns across some badly burned bridges to reconnect with Rita - but very quickly her presence becomes destabilising and extremely dangerous, in ways that I hope the viewers won't see coming.
"The big question is: what has her life become since she was last on the Street? The answer to that question will drive a massive story for us, which runs into the summer and beyond."
Coronation Street continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV. body check tags ::
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