Rachel Leskovac is returning to ‘Coronation Street’ as Natasha Blakeman.
The soap star – whose character was in a relationship with Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) – was last seen on the cobbles a decade ago, and the pair are set to be reunited during a hospital visit in scenes airing in early September.
Nick will be at the hospital with stepson Oliver Battersby (Emmanuel and Jeremiah Cheetham), who has been diagnosed with mitochondrial disease.
He has a chance encounter with Natasha, which could put a strain on his relationship with Leanne (Jane Danson), so he doesn’t tell her about the run-in.
Commenting on her return, Rachel said: "I am very excited and proud to be welcomed back to ‘Coronation Street’, especially as so many old friends are still there.
"It’s always great to be able to return to a character to explore a whole new path for them."
The 44-year-old actress appeared on the cobbles from 2008 until her exit in 2010.
Towards the end of her ‘Corrie’ stint, her character Natasha found out she was pregnant but Nick still broke up with her, which led to her having an abortion without telling him.
He later came round to the idea of being a father, and begged Natasha for a second chance.
She accepted him back, but deliberately avoided telling him about the baby, only for Nick’s mother Gail Platt (Helen Worth) to tell him the truth.
He was devastated, and Natasha left the cobbles.
At the time, then-producer Phil Collinson said: "Rachel is a really talented actress who has been an asset to the show.
"Her character will be involved in an exciting and dramatic storyline which will be an integral part of the build-up to Coronation Street’s 50th anniversary.
"She will leave behind a trail of devastation – a real testament to the impact Rachel as Natasha has had on many lives in our community. We wish her much success for the future."