Coronation Street has explained Gary Windass’s return to the dark side as he prepares to target new villain Noah Hedley.

The ITV soap recently teased some dramatic scenes for Gary, as he prepares to go on the attack against Noah in this Wednesday’s episode (August 13).

Spoiler pictures show Gary turning up at one of Noah’s events at the Weatherfield community centre, armed with a hammer as he gears himself up to defend Theo Silverton.

But what’s he really up to? Well, in the closing moments of Monday’s episode, Gary reveals what’s really on his mind…

The latest visit to the cobbles sees Theo discover that a photo of his family has been used on a flyer for Noah’s church, which promotes ‘traditional family values’.

It’s clear that homophobic Noah is still trying to mess with Theo’s mind, after previously forcing him to endure conversion therapy.

When Noah’s games all become too much, Theo lashes out by trashing the builder’s yard.

His new friend Gary finds him in a bad state – but is immediately sympathetic when he finds out what’s going on…

In a private chat later on, Gary offers to deal with Noah on Theo’s behalf, pointing out that the scaffolder could lose access to his kids for good if he gets in trouble with the law himself.

Explaining his personal interest in the matter, Gary reveals: “Look, I watched Liam get bullied to the point of suicide – and I said ‘never again’.

“Then I let Mick and Lou both get the better of me. So I’m pretty sick of seeing the likes of them treat people like dirt and get away with it, you know what I mean?

“Now we need to teach him a lesson, and if you can’t do it, I’ll do it for you… You don’t ever worry about me, okay? I know what I’m doing. Let’s get him out of your life for good.”

Gary’s wife Maria recently played down his fears that he’d let people walk all over him over the past few years, but it’s clear that this anxiety is still very much on his mind.

Has Gary changed for good after his recent ordeals?