Big news for Coronation Street fans! Ryan Thomas is stepping back onto the cobbles as Jason Grimshaw, nine years after his departure. This brief return ties directly to a major storyline: the exit of his on-screen mum, Eileen, played by Sue Cleaver.
Here’s the Lowdown: According to The Sun, Thomas’s comeback is linked to Cleaver’s departure this summer after 25 years as Eileen Grimshaw. The return also creates a first: Thomas will act alongside Gareth Pierce, who took over the role of Jason’s brother Todd in 2020. A source revealed to the Sun that returning “was a no-brainer for Ryan”.
What This Means Now: This is more than just a nostalgic cameo. It signals a significant, emotional storyline for the Grimshaw family. With Julie Carp (Katy Cavanagh) also returning, revealing a terminal cancer diagnosis, Eileen’s exit promises to be a dramatic one.
The Bigger Picture: Thomas’s return to filming later this month points to a late May or early June on-screen appearance. While the source close to the production states that Thomas is slightly daunted about returning to acting, playing Jason “was a no-brainer” when asked. This short stint could be a poignant farewell to a beloved character and a chance for on-screen family reunions, both joyful and bittersweet.