Coronation Street has issued an update about fan-favourite character Dr Vincent Harper after it was confirmed he wouldn’t return to the soap anytime soon. Corrie fans know that Bristol-based Harper was instrumental in Shona and David Platt’s baby daughter being safely delivered into this world.

In January, Harper agreed to replace Shona’s doctor, who was stuck in Lithuania, and stepped in at the last minute.

Despite a rocky start with David, the surgeon quickly earned the couple’s trust, to the point that they decided to name their baby girl after him.

Dr Harper left a mark on the cobbles, with many fans expecting him to return to Weatherfield for a meatier storyline. However, viewers’ hopes were crushed when it was revealed that the character played by John Hollingworth wouldn’t come back.

Dr Harper may not be present for baby Harper’s big operation, but he has made sure that David and Shona know he’s supporting them.

As the couple’s daughter – who was born with a tumour on the side of her neck – is prepped for her surgery, Coronation Street offered an update on Dr Harper.

“You know, I got a text from her namesake,” David told Shona this week.

“Super Doctor Harper. Aw, he’s sent a message. That’s really sweet,” Shona replied.

“Yeah and a bit sickening,” David added. “Dead brainy surgeon and he’s also really thoughtful and nice. I mean if I didn’t like him so much, I’d hate him!”

The text putsa smile on Shona’s face at a really trying time, as she told David she was considering sending Dr Harper a cheese and onion pie from Bernie’s after the Bristolian appeared to really appreciate them.

“I thought it’d be funny and thoughtful,” Shona said, to which David replied: “And aggressively northern. I mean, it’s leaning a bit too much into the stereotype, innit?”

“Why don’t you just deliver it with a whippet wearing a flat cap?” David also joked, leaving Shona in stitches.

“I wish he was doing this today,” Shona then said about the surgery, but David assured her that Dr Daya would do a great job.

“She’ll be absolutely fine, you watch,” David finally told his wife, hugging her.