Coronation Street’s Richard Hillman made a shock return to the cobbles this week – and fans are convinced he is about to kill again, with one resident in his sights

Coronation Street’s notorious villain Richard Hillman, played by Brian Capron, has made a surprising return to the soap, spelling trouble for one resident.

The infamous serial killer first arrived on the cobbles in 2001 and quickly caused a stir with his reign of terror in Weatherfield. Often dubbed as the most despised soap character and greatest villain ever, Richard was infamous for his killing spree on the cobbles. During his wicked reign, he claimed the lives of several residents.

He brutally murdered his ex-wife Patricia Hillman (Annabelle Apsion) and Maxine Peacock (Tracy Shaw), before confessing his crimes to Gail Platt (Helen Worth). He then plotted to kill the entire Platt family: Gail, David (Jack P. Shepherd) and Sarah (Tina O’Brien), reports Plymouth Live.

In a chilling scene from 2003 that still haunts viewers, Richard tied the Platts in the car, gassed them, and drove them into a canal – but he was the only one who didn’t survive.

Richard made his shock return(Image: ITV)

However, two decades after his dramatic exit from the soap, Richard made an unexpected comeback this week, as part of Gail’s departure storyline. In Tuesday’s episode (December 24), Gail woke up on her sofa to find a man rummaging through her drawers.

Initially, she assumed it was her fiance Jesse (John Thompson) – but she was mistaken. The bloke remarked: “I see you’ve changed the carpet in here.” A scared Gail shot back: “Who are you? What do you want?”

Then, in a jaw-dropping turn of events, the enigmatic fella spun round to reveal he was actually Richard. With a grin, he uttered: “Hello Gail” leaving his ex utterly flabbergasted.

Gail was left floored(Image: ITV)

While many reckon Gail’s just seeing things and imagining Richard, Corrie enthusiasts are dead certain he’s still kicking. Even more, they’re betting he’s gearing up for another murder spree and it’s looking grim for Gail.

On a Corrie fan group on Facebook, one user exclaimed: “No way…Richard Hillman.” Another responded with: “I knew he was alive! ” A third speculated: “He’s back to kill Gail.” Joining the fray, another added their two pence: “He could be back to murder Jesse? He can finally be reunited with Gail then.”

Other fans were left reeling from the revelation, as one commented: “WTF Richard Hillman is back! ” Another viewer expressed their surprise: “Richard Hillman re-appearing on #Corrie wasn’t quite the # Christmas miracle I was expecting dudes!”

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX