CORONATION Street has signed up a rival soap hunk for a shock new storyline – eight years after his character was brutally killed off on screen.

The former soap star is making a sensational return to TV as part of a dark new plot involving Todd and Billy.

Casualty hunk Richard Winsor – who played Caleb Knight – will be joining the ITV soap in a shocking twist.

His character Caleb was stabbed to death by Scott Ellisson in Casualty in 2017.

He was killed during a fight while trying to protect his brother, Ethan.

Richard also starred in Hollyoaks as the sexy priest – Father Francis – who had an affair with Carmel McQueen (Gemma Merna).

Richard will play brand new character Noah Hedley in Coronation Street.

The character will first appear on screen later this month as he comes to visit his friend Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank).

Noah’s arrival on the cobbles soon sends shivers down the spine of Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) who instantly recognises Noah as one of the members of the conversion therapy sessions that he used to be forced to attend by his religious parents.

Theo is spooked by Noah’s presence and soon reveals all to his boyfriend Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) about who Billy’s new pal really is.

Meanwhile, Ryan Thomas is set to make a comeback to Coronation Street for Sue Cleaver’s exit – after almost a decade away.

The actor-turned-reality-star played builder Jason in the ITV soap from 2000 until leaving in 2016.

Ryan says he wanted to pay the soap that made him famous back.

He said: “It was a mix of nostalgia and gratitude for what the show has done for me. When they told me Eileen was leaving, it felt right to be a part of that storyline for her and revisit where it all started.”

Jason has barely changed since the last time he was on the cobbles.

Actor Ryan says he’s “still that happy-go-lucky, lovable guy” – who is set for a romantic twist in his upcoming scenes.

Ryan said: “He makes it up as he goes along, has a loving heart, and is all about family,.

“He certainly hasn’t changed when it comes to women, straight away he is taking someone back home with him and getting himself into hot water with his brother.

“He’s struggling for money, his girlfriend left him, and he needs his mum.

“He says he’s come back for Eileen, but he really needs a cuddle and his safety net.”

Eileen Grimhshaw is set to exit the cobbles with actress Sue Cleaver quitting the soap after an incredible 25 years.

But former I’m A Celebrity campmate Sue will not be killed off in case Sue opts to make a return in the future.