GOOD NEWS !! Coronation Street to bring back fan favourite after nearly a year away

Among returns and exits, Coronation Street will see a familiar face make a surprise comeback to the cobbles after more than a year away from Weatherfield. After he was last seen on the soap on New Year’s Day in 2025, The Sun reports fan-favourite character Alex Warner is now set to appear in an upcoming episode.

Played by Liam Bairstow, Alex made his Corrie debut in 2015. The son of Nessa Warner and Alan Matthews, Alex joined the soap as Cathy Matthews’ nephew and has since appeared sporadically.

A waiter at Roy’s Rolls, he was last seen on the cobbles in January 2025 when he helped an unwell Carla Connor in the cafe just before she collapsed and was rushed to hospital.

16 months later, Bairstow is returning to the ITV soap after his longest absence from Corrie, as he’s on the cast list for episodes airing next week.

Elsewhere on the ITV soap, Will Driscoll’s dark grooming storyline is coming to a head after Megan Walsh’s web of lies is set to be finally exposed. The teen’s sports coach Megan has been having a sexual relationship with him while using an unsuspecting Daniel Osbourne as a cover.

Will’s pal Sam Blakeman has sensed something is amiss with Megan but has been bullied by the predator, who’s been manipulating him to make sure he stays silent.

In upcoming scenes, it’s Leanne Battersby who realises that Sam is harbouring a secret after he collapses and is taken to hospital, where the doctors reveal that he’s been misusing his ADHD medication.

The harrowing truth about Will and Megan having been intimate comes out, with Will’s dad, new Rovers owner Ben Driscoll, and his partner Eva Price vowing to do whatever it takes to bring Megan to justice.

The shockwaves from Sam’s collapse ripple far beyond the hospital walls, sending a chilling urgency through the entire community. As Leanne begins to piece together the fragments of Sam’s behavior—his anxiety, his secrecy, and the dangerous misuse of his medication—she quickly realizes that this is more than just a teenage mistake. There is something far more sinister lurking beneath the surface, and time is running out to uncover it.

Meanwhile, Daniel Osbourne is blindsided when whispers begin circulating about Megan’s inappropriate conduct. Having unknowingly served as her alibi, Daniel is consumed with guilt, replaying every interaction in his mind and questioning how he could have missed the signs. His horror deepens when he learns just how deeply Megan manipulated not only Will, but also those around her. Determined to make things right, Daniel steps forward, ready to support the truth—even if it means exposing his own unwitting involvement.

At the Rovers, tension reaches boiling point as Ben Driscoll struggles to come to terms with the devastating revelation about his son. Torn between rage and heartbreak, Ben’s protective instincts kick in, but he must also face the painful reality that Will had been suffering in silence. Eva Price stands firmly by Ben’s side, offering both emotional support and a fierce determination to see justice served. Together, they become an unshakable force, vowing that Megan will no longer be allowed to harm anyone else.

As the investigation intensifies, Sam finds himself at the center of it all. Despite his fear, he knows that staying silent is no longer an option. Encouraged by Leanne’s compassion and unwavering support, Sam begins to open up about the intimidation and manipulation he endured. His bravery becomes a turning point—not just for himself, but for Will as well. Slowly, Will begins to realize that he is not alone, and that speaking out may be the only way to reclaim his life.

Back on the cobbles, Alex Warner’s unexpected return couldn’t come at a more critical moment. Stepping back into Roy’s Rolls, Alex is immediately struck by the tense atmosphere that has gripped Weatherfield. Though initially unaware of the full extent of the unfolding drama, Alex quickly senses that something is deeply wrong. His natural kindness and empathy draw him into the situation, especially when he reconnects with familiar faces who are clearly struggling under the weight of recent events.

Alex’s presence brings a subtle but important shift. His history with the community—and his genuine care for its residents—allows him to offer comfort in ways others cannot. When he crosses paths with Carla Connor again, memories of the day he helped her during her medical emergency resurface, strengthening their bond. Carla, still recovering and emotionally fragile, finds an unexpected source of reassurance in Alex’s calm and steady demeanor.

But Alex’s return is not just about reconnecting—it also places him in the middle of the storm. As he becomes aware of Megan’s actions, he is deeply shaken, particularly by the impact on the younger members of the community. Determined to help, Alex offers support wherever he can, whether it’s lending an ear to Sam or simply being a reassuring presence at Roy’s Rolls. His quiet strength becomes a beacon of hope during one of Weatherfield’s darkest chapters.

As evidence against Megan continues to mount, the walls begin to close in on her. No longer able to maintain her web of lies, cracks start to show in her carefully constructed facade. The once-confident coach becomes increasingly desperate, resorting to manipulation and denial in a last-ditch attempt to avoid accountability. But with Ben, Eva, Daniel, and Leanne متحد in their pursuit of the truth, it becomes clear that Megan’s time is running out.

The emotional climax builds as Will finally confronts the reality of what he has endured. With his father by his side, he takes a courageous step forward, determined to ensure that Megan faces the consequences of her actions. It’s a powerful moment—one that not only marks the beginning of his healing journey but also sends a strong message about the importance of speaking out.

In the aftermath, the community begins to come together, offering support and solidarity to those affected. While the scars of the ordeal will not fade overnight, there is a growing sense of resilience among the residents. Friendships are strengthened, new bonds are formed, and the cobbles once again prove that even in the face of darkness, unity can prevail.

Alex Warner’s return ultimately becomes more than just a nostalgic comeback—it symbolizes hope, compassion, and the enduring strength of community. As Weatherfield slowly starts to heal, his presence serves as a reminder that even after the longest absences, some connections remain unbreakable.

And as the dust begins to settle, one thing is certain: life on the cobbles will never be quite the same again.