Helen Worth is reportedly set to make a surprise return to Coronation Street for its "Christmas Day" special - just a year after her departure from the ITV soap.
The 74 year old star's character, Gail Chadwick, married Jesse Chadwick (John Thomson) and departed Weatherfield on Christmas Day 2024 to begin a fresh chapter in France.
Reports suggest Helen has already filmed her return scenes - which are believed to feature her spending quality time with her family, the Platts - as the programme records episodes two months ahead of broadcast.
A television source revealed to The Sun newspaper: "Corrie bosses are keeping the exact details under wraps, but it's understood she takes the chance on Christmas Day to connect with the family.
"And it could be more timely as the Platts find themselves in yet another drama, one that they've had to deal with by themselves since the Platts' matriarch moved abroad.
"It's a move which is guaranteed to thrill soap fans, who wondered whether we'd ever catch a glimpse of show favourite Gail on the cobbles again."
During Helen's final appearance, Gail nearly abandoned her wedding to Jesse after discovering he was relocating to the South of France to renovate a property using laundered money. Nevertheless, the couple ultimately exchanged vows at the Viaduct Bistro.
The newly-married pair subsequently flew to France - though Gail had originally been reluctant to leave her children Nick (Ben Price), David (Jack P. Shepherd) and Sarah (Tina O'Brien) behind.
Back in January, Coronation Street's executive producer, Iain MacLeod, disclosed that he and Helen had discussed the possibility of her returning to the cobbles.
Speaking to the Daily Star newspaper's Hot TV column, he said: "Helen and I have had a conversation where she said, 'There might be times in my future where I'll come back'.
"If there's a big storyline going on with the Platt family, she might want to come in and play a role in that.
"We certainly wanted to leave the door open so that was possible. We wanted that to still be on the cards."
The soap's chief believes Helen making occasional appearances "here and there" would delight viewers.
He continued: "It will be a real treat for viewers if the opportunity arises for Helen to pop in here and there.
"She could play a role in some big moments."