Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas has revealed that he’s returning to the ITV soap as Jason Grimshaw for the first time in almost a decade for Eileen Grimshaw’s exit
Ryan Thomas has confirmed that he’s returning to Coronation Street after nearly a decade as part of Sue Cleaver ’s upcoming exit.
The actor, 40, is best known for playing Eileen Grimshaw’s son Jason on the ITV soap for 16 years until leaving the cobbles in 2016.
Ryan, who is hosting ITV’s new Saturday night show 99 to Beat with brother Adam Thomas, told The Mirror and other press that on-screen mum Sue Cleaver asked him to return before retiring the role of Eileen.
“I got the call from Sue saying would I come back for her exit storyline – that’s where my career started and I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for Coronation Street,” he said.
“That place will always have my respect and I’m very loyal to where I came from. They taught me everything I know, so I’m excited.”
The Jason Grimshaw star warned that fans shouldn’t get too excited – as his cameo will be brief. “It’s not for very long. I’m going to hopefully step onto the cobbles for five minutes,” he said.
Ryan’s daughter Scarlett, 16, who he shares with his Corrie star ex Tina O’Brien, was born during his time on the soap – however, his kids with wife Lucy Mecklenburgh – Roman, four, and Lilah, two – are yet to see him in the role.
“It will be nice too because my kids would not have been alive when I was in there so they’ll get to see that now, which is lovely as well,” he said.
“Maybe I’ll get to take my kids on the cobbles. That would be cool. It’s in our blood.”
Sue Cleaver announced back in February that she would be leaving the ITV soap after 25 years, recently admitting that she’s struggling to “be brave” ahead of the exit. Meanwhile, Ryan was rumoured to be returning to Coronation Street as part of Eileen’s exit plotline earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Ryan is set to join his Emmerdale star brother Adam on ITV for its new weekend gameshow 99 to Beat, marking their first presenting gig. The show will see 100 contestants compete in a series of challenges in the hopes of being the last contestant standing in a show that’s been billed as Taskmaster meets Squid Game.
One TV insider told The Mirror: “This game show will bring plenty of laughs and needs happy-go-lucky hosts at the helm. Ryan and Adam fit the bill perfectly and it would be great to see the brothers working together as TV hosts for the first time. The could be a really exciting new chapter for them and should be a lot of fun. They are so natural together. Hey, it worked for Ant and Dec…”
99 to Beat will air on ITV1 and ITVX soon. Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
