Fans of Coronation Street will be in for a treat as Ryan Thomas, beloved for his role
as Jason Grimshaw, prepares to make a brief return to Weatherfield.
The 40-year-old actor, who took a step back from acting in 2021, will reprise his iconic role
as his character’s mother, Eileen Grimshaw, prepares to say a permanent goodbye to the cobbles.
Eileen, played by actress Sue Cleaver, will be exiting the show after an impressive 25-year stint, making Ryan’s return even more significant.
Although Ryan left Coronation Street in 2016, his character Jason was never written off completely.
Instead, he was written out by moving to Thailand, with the occasional mention of him by his mother, Eileen. Fans were left wondering if Jason would ever return, and now, it seems their questions are being answered. Ryan is set to make a special appearance to give Eileen the send-off she truly deserves.
Ryan’s Return: All for Sue
Ryan’s return to the soap comes as no surprise given the close bond he shares with his on-screen mother, Sue Cleaver. An insider revealed to The Sun that it was “a no-brainer” for Ryan to return when asked by the producers. The source explained that Sue is like a second mother to Ryan, and he was willing to do anything to make her exit as special as possible.
“It’s all for Sue,” the insider continued. “He’s not acted for a while, so it’s a bit daunting, but he played Jason for so long that he’s looking forward to going back to the cobbles.” This return is sure to be a poignant moment for both the characters and fans, especially as it marks a key point in the departure of one of Coronation Street’s longest-standing characters.
Ryan Thomas: A Journey Beyond Coronation Street
Ryan Thomas first joined Coronation Street in 2000, quickly becoming a fan favorite as Jason Grimshaw. He remained a central figure on the show until 2016, when he decided to leave. Following his departure, Ryan transitioned to new roles, most notably starring as Rafael Humphreys in Neighbours in 2018. That same year, Ryan made headlines by winning the 22nd series of Celebrity Big Brother, a victory that added to his growing popularity.
However, Ryan surprised many fans when he announced his retirement from acting in 2021. 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.” Despite stepping back from acting, Ryan continued to make appearances on television, including winning Celebrity MasterChef in 2022, competing on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, and eventually triumphing on Dancing on Ice in 2024.
A New Chapter: Co-hosting with Brother Adam
Ryan’s return to the small screen isn’t just limited to Coronation Street. He is also preparing to take on a new role in front of the camera. This spring, Ryan will co-host a brand-new ITV gameshow called 99 to Beat, alongside his younger brother, Adam Thomas. The competition-based show pits 100 contestants against one another in a series of challenges, with Ryan and Adam guiding the contestants through the process until only one remains standing.
Adam, best known for his role in Waterloo Road, expressed his excitement about working alongside his brother for the first time. “It’s our first gig together. I don’t think we’ve ever worked together before, so to be doing a show like 99 to Beat and to be hosting it is definitely a dream come true,” he shared. “It’s a brand new concept, it’s not been done before in the UK, and we’re just so happy we get to front it. It’s going to be a fun one.”
This new chapter in Ryan’s career shows that while he may have stepped away from acting, his presence on TV is far from over. Fans of the Thomas brothers are certainly in for an exciting treat with their upcoming show.
A Heartfelt Goodbye to Eileen
As Ryan prepares to return to Coronation Street to support Sue Cleaver’s farewell, it’s clear that this will be a deeply emotional and significant moment for both the characters and the viewers. Eileen Grimshaw has been a staple of the soap for 25 years, and her departure will mark the end of an era. Ryan’s return as Jason Grimshaw will undoubtedly add a layer of emotional depth, giving Eileen’s exit the heartfelt conclusion it deserves.
As Ryan Thomas steps back onto the cobbles for this special appearance, fans of Coronation Street can look forward to an unforgettable reunion between the Grimshaw family. It’s a fitting tribute to Sue Cleaver’s character, and it’s sure to leave viewers with a lasting impression.
Stay tuned to Coronation Street as Ryan Thomas makes his highly anticipated return to Weatherfield in this emotional chapter of the soap’s history.
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