Charles Lawson has confirmed he will return to ‘Coronation Street’.
The 58-year-old actor is to reprise his role as soap hard-man Jim McDonald – who is currently in prison for armed robbery of a building society – in the coming weeks in what will be an "explosive" comeback.
He said: "They wanted me back full time this year but I couldn’t do it as I am doing ‘Rebus’ on stage, and a thriller.
"I’m going to film a bit but then will be back again next year."
A ‘Coronation Street’ spokesman told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Jim is such a hugely popular character.
"We’re delighted he is coming back for what will be a typically explosive Jim storyline."
‘Corrie’ fans had begun speculating about Charles’ possible return after series producer Kate Oates – who will depart the soap in June – revealed an "extremely well-known character" will return to the soap.
Charles refused to rule out the possibility of the person in question being him.
He tweeted: "I couldn’t possibly comment. Everyone keeps telling me I am."
Jim was last seen on the cobbles in 2014 when he illegally sold Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) alcohol in prison, and his sentence – originally for the robbery – was extended after he used a mobile phone to phone his wife Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard).
Kym Marsh – who plays Michelle Connor in ‘Corrie’ – recently admitted she would be "delighted" if Charles returned to the soap.
She said: "Charlie Lawson has hinted that he might be returning to ‘Coronation Street’, which I’d be delighted about if it is true.
"When Michelle was pregnant with Ruairi, there was a worry that he might have inherited a degenerative disease from Jim so it would be interesting to pick that storyline back up if he did return."
Charles was recently linked to a return following reports his on-screen son Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) will pop the question to his partner, and ex-wife, Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) in upcoming scenes.
Charles Lawson confirms Coronation Street comeback
