A character returned after ten years away from the cobbles

Coronation Street fans said “thank goodness” after a familiar face made a return to Weatherfield on Wednesday (February 19). Viewers have witnessed dramatic scenes on the cobbles, as Rob Donovan (Marc Baylis) made an escape from prison. Last night, Carla Connor (Alison King) returned to hospital after being kidnapped by her brother.

Rightly so, viewers were ready for a breath of “fresh air” away from the drama. Fans were pleased to see Katy Cavanagh reprise her role as Julie Carp. Taking to social media, one said: “Thank goodness, some light relief hopefully”, another added: “Nice to see Julie back, please stay.”

More added to the conversation: “Awww my Julie some fresh air for an episode or two”, “Julie! Yay! A little light relief!” Julie has returned to the ITV soap as part of Eileen Grimshaw’s (Sue Cleaver) exit storyline, who is leaving after 25 years.

On Wednesday, Julie was at the Chariot Square Hotel with her nephew Todd (Gareth Pierce). They had a champagne fuelled catch up, alongside Todd’s boss and Eileen’s partner, George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley).

Julie first appeared in Weatherfield in 2008 following a holiday fling with Kirk Sutherland (Andy Whyment). After her relationship with Kirk didn’t pan out, Julie turned her attention to Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas), leading her mum to reveal that she was Eileen’s half-sister and Jason’s aunt.

Julie then had a brief affair with Eileen’s then-boyfriend Jessie Chadwick (John Thomson) before finding love with newsagent Brian Packham. The couple left the street together in 2015, but their relationship didn’t last, and Brian eventually returned without her.

Cavanagh is thrilled to be reprising her role as the vibrant Julie on the cobbles of Coronation Street, saying: “It is exciting to dust off Julie’s quirky wardrobe again and an absolute joy to step back onto the cobbles. Julie is so much fun, I’ve missed her.”

Kate Brooks, the soap’s producer, said: “We’re delighted to have the inimitable Julie Carp back on the Cobbles.” She added: “As the ever lovable Julie breezes back into the lives of the Grimshaws, not everything is quite as it seems, and Julie’s secret sets off a chain of events that has huge ramifications for Eileen.”

Brooks continued to praise Katy’s effortless return: “Katy has slipped back into Julie’s shoes with such ease that it’s like she’s never been away, and we can’t wait for the audience to watch Julie’s story unfold; a story full of love, laughter and tears.”

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