‘Coronation Street’ bosses are re-creating Ken Barlow’s rivalry with Mike Baldwin with the re-introduction of his grandson and long-lost son.
Sam Robertson is to reprise his role as Ken’s (Bill Roache) grandson Adam Barlow on November 16 when he rocks up on the famous cobbles in a red Jaguar wearing a camel coat and puffing on a cigar – a nod to his late dad Mike, who was played by Johnny Briggs.
Adam looks set to clash with Ken’s son Daniel – who he had with Denise Osbourne (Denise Black), who was last seen in Weatherfield nine years ago – played by ‘Corrie’ newcomer Rob Mallard.
Producer Kate Oates said: "I love the idea of a mini Mike, with his own kind of swagger, and a mini Ken, with his own baggage and view of life. It’s a nice dynamic.
"The tradition of ‘Corrie’ is Ken versus Mike, and now we have new, fresh versions of those personalities."
Sam departed the role of Adam in 2007 when his character moved to Canada, and the star admits he has "unfinished business" with his alter-ego.
The ‘Beaver Falls’ actor said: "I’m delighted to be back, ‘Coronation Street’ was my first job as an actor and is a special place for me.
"As a young actor it was a little overwhelming so I’m looking forward to coming back and stamping my mark on the character, I feel there’s unfinished business with Adam."
Daniel will also appear on our screens on November 16 when he turns up at Ken’s hospital bedside reading him ‘King Lear’, much to the shock of the rest of the Barlow clan.
Rob added: "It feels great to be starting work on ‘Coronation Street’ and I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone.
"I grew up watching ‘Coronation Street’, so the chance to be in it, especially playing a part like Daniel, is very exciting."
Adam and Daniel’s appearance will come just weeks after Ken’s son Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) returned to the cobbles only to have a blazing row with the his dad, who then suffered a stroke.
Kate added: "When Peter turned up first in October his arrival immediately had consequences for the family when Ken suffered his stroke. He is followed this week by Adam and Daniel.
"I am delighted to have Sam back, his time away from Weatherfield has hardened Adam and although he is a Barlow the Baldwin genes are evident from the moment he arrives.
"Daniel is a different Barlow altogether, more sensitive and bookish, he is clearly a chip off the old block, but there is more to Ken’s youngest son than meets the eye. Rob is a talented young actor who is perfect for the role."
Mike and Ken famously clashed on the cobbles on several occasions over 20 years, beginning in 1983 when Ken found out his wife Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride) was having an affair with Mike.
Other storylines prompting the pair to be at war with each other included Mike marrying Ken’s daughter Susan (Katie Heannau), who was Adam’s mother.
She was killed in a car crash while attempting to flee from Mike after he found out about Adam and demanded custody.
Johnny once suggested Ken was jealous of Mike being rich and successful, but Bill has insisted the reason for the detest was because Mike was self-centred.
Coronation Street bosses re-create Barlow-Baldwin rivalry
