Coronation Street fans were thrilled as an ‘old character’ made a return to the cobbles this week.

Coronation Street enthusiasts were thrilled as a beloved character made her comeback to the cobbled streets of Weatherfield.

Leanne Battersby, portrayed by Jane Danson, has experienced a whirlwind period in recent episodes. Fans witnessed the start of the year introduce a dubious “self-improvement group” called The Institute, known for defrauding people.

Leanne crossed paths with charismatic cult leader Rowan Cunliffe, played by Emrhys Cooper, who quickly seduced her into the ranks of his deceitful organisation.

This development sparked worry in her betrothed Nick, enacted by Ben Price, and sister Toyah, played by Georgia Taylor – Toyah herself grappling with a germ-cell ovarian cancer diagnosis.

In the wake of Toyah’s health woes, she and Nick sought solace in each other’s arms. However, their secret rendezvous didn’t remain hidden for long; Rowan seized the moment to capture evidence of their intimacy and coerce them, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Leanne found out the truth this week (Image: ITV)

Meanwhile, Amy Barlow, acted by Elle Mulvaney, became embroiled in The Institute’s web of lies, conned by Rowan who eyed her £40,000 inheritance. The latest plot twist saw Leanne uncover the reality of Toyah and Nick’s affair, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

Leanne’s world was turned upside down after uncovering the unsavoury truths about Rowan and The Institute, leading her to wipe clean all data on Amy from his computer. Shockingly, she stumbled upon a file about herself, and in a dramatic twist, unearthed evidence of Nick and Toyah’s secret romance.

Confronted with the betrayal, a shattered Leanne stormed into the Bistro demanding answers from Nick, who confessed his love for Toyah amidst the chaos. Despite being rattled, Leanne didn’t allow Rowan’s excuses to deter her, as she declared she would do whatever to recoup Amy’s money from the dubious cult.

The tension escalated as Leanne and Toyah faced off on the famed cobbles, with Toyah receiving a fierce slap from Leanne as passions flared. This display of Leanne’s fiery tenacity set social media abuzz, with fans lauding her comeback.

Dazzled by the drama, a Corrie fan gushed on Facebook: “Tonight we see saw the old Leanne come back. The way she spoke to Rowan go on tell him!” Another chimed in, relishing Leanne’s return to form but sparing little sympathy: “It was good to see the old Leanne back. But I don’t feel sorry for her, she put the institute before anything else and now paid the price.”

A third fan simply celebrated: “Love this side of Leanne!” Meanwhile, on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, one viewer posted: “Great to see Leanne coming back to her senses.” Another user commented: “Looks like the old miserable version of Leanne is back.” A third person chimed in with: “Leanne is BACK. Thank god.”

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