Martin Hancock is to reprise his role as Spider Nugent on Coronation Street after a 19-year absence, it has been announced.
The nephew of Emily Bishop (Eileen Derbyshire), Spider was a regular on the cobbles between 1997 and 2003, during which time he was in a relationship with then-teenager Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor).
The couple split off screen some time later, with Spider venturing off to Peru and Toyah eventually returning to the street in 2016.
"Having the opportunity to walk back onto the cobbles is fabulous," said Hancock. "I'm so excited to be seeing a lot of old friends and picking up what Spider has been up to.
"I've always wanted to come back at some point and it just felt like this is the right time. I'm eternally grateful to Iain for the opportunity."
Corrie exec producer Iain MacLeod added: "Martin is a fabulous actor and Spider is a character with real heritage, and affection from fans.
"His return heralds an enthralling new story for Toyah, who will be embroiled in a mess of guilt and secrecy when Spider arrives. Will he be her saviour or the thing that ruins her life forever?"
Hancock begins filming next month and will be seen on screen from July.
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