A CORONATION Street serial killer is making his soap comeback 13 years after terrifying soap fans with his murder spree.
The actor behind the character, who starred on the ITV Cobbles from 1998 until 2011, is back on the small screen this month.
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Now Graeme Hawley, 50, is switching Weatherfield for the hospital ward for a new role in soap Doctors.
The John Stape star – who left fans gobsmacked with his transformation from high school teacher to one of Corrie’s most memorable murderers – will star as Jason Chapman next week.
Eagle-eyed soap fans can spot the Coventry-born TV personality in a 28-minute episode titled Sucker Punch, centred on the treatment of rape patient Erika.
It remains to be seen what his exact plot line is, and how long he will feature in the scripts.
Aside from Corrie, Graeme has also acted in Benidorm, National Treasure, Casualty and Love and Marriage.
Corrie’s John went from a teacher who had an affair with pupil Rosie Webster to a serial killer.
His character killed three fellow cast members in his hey-day and also kidnapped Rosie Webster, played by Helen Flanagan.
He concealed Colin Fishwick’s body after he died in front of him and then murdered Charlotte Hoyle when she tried to blackmail him about it.
John then accidentally smothered Colin’s mother to death as he confessed the truth.
He played the ex-teacher for four years after joining the cast on the cobbles in 2007 and was nominated for Villain of the Year in 2009 at the Soap Awards.
Corrie’s John Stape surprises viewers by turning up in Benidorm
He was again nominated for the same award in 2011 after his murderous storyline came to a dramatic end with his suicide – which kept the nation hooked.
Yet his character is parent to Fiz’s daughter Hope, who remains on the show.
We previously told how actor Graeme has temporarily stepped away from the small screen after struggling to find acting gigs.
He started raking in the cash as he began working on his pal’s Christmas market stall.
Coronation Street Spoilers: News & Cast Updates
The beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.
At the time, Graeme, married to Where the Heart Is star Elianne Byrne, said he was working for a pal who owned Chilli Jam Man.
The dad-of-two joked: “I’m not the Chilli Jam Man.
“I’m the Chilli Jam Man’s mate and I’m selling Chill Jam because the Chilli Jam Man’s late.”
