Coronation Street legend to return to ITV soap and ends his acting retirement

It has been announced that Ryan Thomas, who portrayed Jason Grimshaw on Coronation Street, will make a brief return to the show.

Following actress Sue Cleaver’s decision to end the series after 25 years, the 40-year-old star, who retired from acting in 2021, will make a permanent return to Weatherfield as his character’s mother Eileen prepares to leave the cobbles.

Ryan’s character Jason, who left Coronation Street in 2016, was not killed off; instead, he immigrated to Thailand, where his mother Eileen has frequently mentioned him. A source claims that it was “no brainer” for Ryan to return when he was asked, and that Sue is the only reason.

According to an insider, “She’s like a second mum to him, and he was willing to do anything to make her send off as special as she deserves it to be.” He hasn’t performed in a while, so it’s a little intimidating, but he has already enjoyed playing Jason.

Jason was first portrayed by Ryan in 2000, and he left the show in 2016. He then made his first appearance as Rafael Humphreys in Neighbours in 2018 and won the next-long Celebrity Big Brother series. On the Mancs on the Mic podcast, Ryan said, “I started off acting, I started off in that game, and I really lost the big for it. I believe that rejection, attending auditions, and not receiving them are the causes of the bug.

He later appeared on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip and Celebrity Masterchef in 2022. Ryan won Dancing on Ice last year, and he made a comeback at the start of the 2025 series to meet the contestants this year. He donned a striking, shimmering silver top that complemented the Dancing On Ice trophy, which he waved in front of the camera.

Host Holly Willoughby addressed the trophy to him and said, “I’m going to hand this back to you. Only briefly, for now. You seem to have accepted that as our winner only recently. Ryan then admittedly felt emotion when he said, “I just can’t believe I’m here. I’m so honored and privileged to have been returned.

Ryan and his younger brother Adam will host a new gameshow for ITV later this spring, and he will also be returning to the air. 100 contestants are coached by Ryan and Adam as they compete in a variety of challenges in the 99 To Beat program. Those who lose the game must leave the competition until the last person with a prize is the winner.

Waterloo Road star Adam, who stated, “This is our first gig together. To be hosting a show like this called 99 To Beat and having a dream come true is undoubtedly a dream come true. It’s been a long time coming, and it finally happened, and we can’t believe it.

He continued, “And we get to present a new family gameshow for ITV, and it’s not getting bigger and better than that.” We’re thrilled we get to front it because it’s a brand-new idea that has never been done before in the UK. It will be enjoyable. Anyone can participate in one of those gameshows. It’s that good; even homebound people can get involved.

This story, do you like? Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads for more latest news and gossip.

Source: Mirror