Coronation Street viewers are speculating the comeback of a deceased icon in a significant twist involving Dev Alahan.

Dev (played by Jimmi Harkishin) has been a constant presence on the soap since his first appearance in 1999. As the cherished businessman of Weatherfield, Dev has won over the hearts of viewers.

In addition to being part of numerous major storylines, Dev has also experienced a string of unsuccessful relationships. The notorious ladies’ man has had affairs and brief romances with characters such as Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride), her daughter Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford), and Julie Carp (Katy Cavanagh).

However, the ‘love of his life’ was Sunita (Shobna Gulati), whom he wed in 2004. The couple had two children together before she was tragically written out of the show over a decade ago.

This year on the cobbles, Dev and his partner Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove), who he’s been seeing for a few years, took their relationship to the next level by getting engaged, reports Leicestershire Live.

But now, fans are convinced that someone from Dev’s past is set to return to the cobbles, leaving him stunned.

Next week on the ITV soap, several of the younger characters experiment with drugs at a party. The mischievous Brody Michaelis (Ryan Mulvey) brings LSD, which Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) and Nina Lucas (Mollie Gallagher) end up taking.

While it’s not confirmed if Aadi Alahan (Adam Hussain) will partake, fans are certain he will, potentially leading to the ‘return’ of his late mum Sunita (Shobna Gulati).

On a Corrie Facebook fan page, speculation is rife with one fan musing: “I’ve been thinking and at the party next week maybe Aadi takes it and he hallucinates Sunita.”

Another chimed in with enthusiasm: “Aww I would love that.” And a third agreed, suggesting: “Yes bring her back as a ghost or something.”

Long-time viewers will remember Sunita’s debut on the street in 2001. As Dev’s wife and mother to twins Aadi and Asha (played by Tanisha Gorey), Sunita quickly became a beloved character.

Tragically, after 12 years in Weatherfield, Sunita met her end in a dramatic blaze at the Rovers Return pub in 2013.