Coronation Street legend returns unexpectedly after 9 years – and for a big reason
Ryan Thomas is making an unexpected return to Coronation Street as Jason Grimshaw after nine years.
The star will be back on the cobbles for a guest stint as part of his on-screen mum Sue Cleaver’s exit plot.
Sue announced earlier this year that she is leaving her role as Eileen Grimshaw after 25 years.
Fans have already seen Eileen’s sister Julie Carp (Katy Cavanagh) return to Weatherfield as part of her final storyline.
Reports now suggest that she will be joined by Jason, with Ryan set to begin filming later this month.
A source said: ‘It was a no brainer for Ryan to return when he was asked – it’s all for Sue.
‘She’s like a second mum to him and he was willing to do anything to make her send off as special as she deserves it to be.’
They added to The Sun: ‘He’s not acted for a while so it’s a bit daunting but he played Jason for so long that he’s looking forward to going back to the cobbles.’
Metro has contacted a Coronation Street spokesperson for comment.
Ryan played Jason on the ITV soap between 2000 and 2016 and was last seen leaving the cobbles for Thailand after being manipulated by Eileen’s then-boyfriend, the murderous Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre).
Ryan’s last acting role was in Neighbours in 2018, when he relocated to Australia for a few months to play guest character Rafael Humphreys.
He also won Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing on Ice in 2018 and 2024 respectively.
Ryan has also formed somewhat of a social media partnership with his brothers – Waterloo Road star Adam Thomas and Love Islander Scott Thomas – who regularly share content together.
The siblings also appeared alongside their late father in 2020 documentary Absolutely India: Mancs in Mumbai, while Ryan and Adam are set to host new ITV game show 99 to Beat later this year.
