ITV has confirmed that Owen Armstrong is set to make a surprise return to the cobbles after nearly 12 years away.
The no-nonsense builder, who is played by Ian Puleston-Davies in the ITV soap, left Weatherfield in 2015 following the breakdown of his relationship with Anna Windass and collapse of his business, thanks in part to Pat Phelan.
In scenes set to air in January 2027, Owen announces he is moving back to Weatherfield to live with his daughter Izzy and his grandson Jake.
The character also wastes little time in making clear that he blames Gary for his family’s misfortune.
The announcement comes after Gary was sentenced to eight months in prison on the soap this week after getting caught up in the murder of Theo Silverton.
With Gary behind bars, could Owen’s upcoming appearance spell trouble for Gary’s business at the builder’s yard?
Commenting on his return, Puleston-Davies said: “I can’t wait to pick up where I left off 10 years ago! It’s brilliant to be back and to get stuck into a cracking storyline. Owen’s back and he’s still angry!”
Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks added: “We're thrilled that Ian is back, and Owen brings a ton of drama. As he joins forces with an unlikely alliance, he wreaks havoc on the Street, and his relationship with Gary is severely put to the test.
"Needless to say, there's never a dull moment when Owen's around.”
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Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 or can be streamed from 7am on ITVX.
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