Ryan Thomas has finally addressed the long-running speculation about his return to Coronation Street,
confirming that he will be stepping back onto the famous cobbles for a brief stint.
Fans of the ITV soap have been eager to see the actor reprise his role as Jason Grimshaw, a character he played for 16 years before leaving in 2016.
Now, nearly a decade later, he has revealed the real story behind his much-anticipated return.
A Nostalgic Return for a Special Exit
Thomas, who originally joined Coronation Street in 2000, became a fan favorite as Jason, the son of Eileen Grimshaw, played by Sue Cleaver.
When he exited the show in 2016, his character was not killed off but instead moved to Thailand, leaving the door open for a possible comeback. Over the years, Eileen has frequently mentioned Jason, keeping his presence alive in the storyline.
Now, Thomas has confirmed that he will be returning, but only briefly, as part of Eileen’s exit storyline. Sue Cleaver, who has played the beloved character for 25 years, recently announced her decision to leave the soap, prompting the perfect opportunity for Jason to return.
Speaking about his comeback, Thomas revealed: “I got the call from Sue saying, ‘Would you come back for my exit storyline?’ That’s where my career started, and I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for Coronation Street.” His deep connection to the show made it an easy decision, as he expressed his gratitude for everything he learned during his time on the series.
A Short but Meaningful Cameo
While Thomas’ return is exciting news for long-time viewers, he has made it clear that his appearance will be brief. “It’s not for very long,” he admitted. “I’m going to hopefully step onto the cobbles for five minutes.” Though his time on-screen will be short, the moment is sure to be a special one, especially for fans who have been hoping to see Jason back in Weatherfield.
Despite speculation that this could be the start of a full-time return, Thomas appears content with his current career direction. His brief reappearance is meant to honor Cleaver’s departure rather than mark a permanent comeback.
Stepping Away from Acting
Thomas’ decision to leave acting was not an easy one, but he has spoken openly about why he chose to step away from the industry. Almost four years ago, he announced his retirement from acting, citing frustration with the audition process and the rejection that comes with it. Speaking on the Mancs on the Mic podcast, he explained, “I started off acting, I started off in that game, and I really lost the bug for it. I feel the reason for losing the bug is rejection and going to auditions and not getting them.”
Since then, Thomas has explored other opportunities in television. He has appeared on Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, winning the latter. His most notable recent achievement was winning Dancing on Ice in 2023. Now, he is preparing for a new venture as a presenter on ITV’s upcoming game show 99 to Beat, which he will co-host with his younger brother, fellow former soap star Adam Thomas.
Sue Cleaver’s Emotional Farewell
Sue Cleaver’s departure marks the end of an era for Coronation Street. After portraying Eileen Grimshaw for a quarter of a century, she has decided it is time to move on to new adventures. Announcing her exit in January, she stated, “I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.”
However, she reassured fans that her departure does not mean the end of Eileen forever. “The door is still firmly open, but as I reached my 60th year, I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures, and live fearlessly.”
A Moment to Remember
While Thomas’ return may be brief, it is sure to be a significant moment for both his character and the show’s history. His decision to come back to honor Sue Cleaver’s departure highlights the deep connections he has with the cast and crew of Coronation Street.
For now, fans can look forward to Jason Grimshaw’s fleeting but meaningful return to Weatherfield, marking the end of an iconic chapter for Eileen Grimshaw. Whether this will be the last time we see Jason remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a moment worth celebrating.
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