Coronation Street star Brian Capron has spoken about his shock return to the show for the first time.

The actor reprised his role as dead character Richard Hillman in the closing moments of the soap’s Christmas Eve episode.

Richard is appearing in a dream sequence as his former wife Gail Rodwell faces a major decision on the eve of her wedding.

Gail is torn over whether she should go ahead with marrying Jesse Chadwick after discovering that he has been keeping secrets from her.

The latest episode saw Gail left heartbroken as she found out that Jesse had helped her son David Platt to launder Damon Hay’s stolen money.

Speaking about his unexpected comeback, Brian commented: “It was a lovely experience. They’ve written a very clever scene. It’s a very tricky thing to bring a character back from the dead but I think the writers thought very carefully about how to do it and they’ve come up trumps.

“For me it’s got the right kind of dark humour, which there always was with Richard Hillman which I love, but also a slight hint of menace. I thought they balanced it perfectly.”

On reuniting with Helen Worth, who plays Gail, he continued: “I think we have a very special relationship, which is why the Hillman storyline worked out so beautifully. I never wanted it to look like he was a really bad, horrible person so we worked very hard on making it a very loving relationship.

“It gave a lot of dimension to the character, thanks to Helen, so it was great to be back with her for the day.”

Viewers can look forward to the dream sequence continuing in the hour-long Christmas Day episode, as the ghost of Richard gives his thoughts on Gail and Jesse’s wedding.

Richard urges Gail not to go ahead with the ceremony, but will she listen to him and jilt Jesse?

Whatever happens, the festive episode will see Gail leave Weatherfield behind after an incredible 50 years on the show.