Chris Harper is reprising his role as the villainous Nathan Curtis on Coronation Street, it has been confirmed.
The character was part of a major 2017 storyline which saw him groom a then-teenage Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon), gradually manipulating her and exploiting her - including forcing her to have sex with his friends.
Nathan was eventually exposed and locked up for his crimes but in episodes airing next month, Bethany discovers that he has been released from prison and is working on a building site near to the Precinct, which is where Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton) disappeared.
Bethany becomes convinced that Nathan murdered Lauren and confronts her abuser head on - but does she have the right man?
"I was emotional when I was told about Nathan's potential return," said Harper. "During the 18 months he was in it before, hundreds of people shared with me how the storyline reflected something they, or someone they loved, had lived through. It remains important to keep them in mind as we continue Bethany's story."
He continued: "I do love playing Nathan though. He is funny, deceitful, slippery, manipulative and ruthless. Now he is also under a lot of pressure too. This new storyline is absolutely full of twists.
"It really is good to be back on the hallowed cobbles. So much has happened since we saw Nathan sent to prison, but Coronation Street is a constant. I feel like the cast, crew and the whole team are old friends."
Nathan's return to Weatherfield will air on Wednesday, May 8.
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