In an unexpected turn of events, Ryan Thomas is set to make a brief return to Coronation Street as his iconic character, Jason Grimshaw.
This marks a significant comeback for the actor, who had announced his retirement from acting in 2021.
The 40-year-old star will reprise his role in Weatherfield as his character’s mother, Eileen Grimshaw, prepares to permanently exit the soap
after actress Sue Cleaver’s decision to leave following a 25-year stint on the show.
The Story Behind Jason’s Departure
Ryan Thomas first appeared on Coronation Street in 2000, quickly becoming a fan-favorite due to his portrayal of the charming and dependable Jason Grimshaw.
His character’s story arc was a central part of the show for over a decade, and in 2016, Ryan bid farewell to the cobbles. However, instead of having his character written out with a dramatic death, Jason was simply written out by emigrating to Thailand. His absence was often referenced by his mother, Eileen, but he was never completely forgotten.
Though many fans were heartbroken by his exit, the idea of Jason’s return was always left open, and now, with the news of Eileen’s departure, it seems only fitting that Jason would come back for one last appearance to support his mother.
A Heartfelt Gesture for Sue Cleaver
A source close to the production revealed to The Sun that Ryan’s decision to return was largely motivated by his deep affection for Sue Cleaver, who has played Eileen for over two decades. “It was a no-brainer for Ryan to return when he was asked – it’s all for Sue,” the insider explained. “She’s like a second mum to him, and he was willing to do anything to make her send-off as special as she deserves it to be. 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.”
Ryan’s return will likely be a brief yet emotional moment for fans, as it marks the end of an era for both the character of Eileen and Jason, as well as the relationship they shared on screen.
The Career of Ryan Thomas Post-Coronation Street
Ryan’s departure from Coronation Street was not the end of his career. After leaving the show, he transitioned into other TV roles, notably playing Rafael Humphreys in Neighbours in 2018. That same year, Ryan enjoyed success on Celebrity Big Brother, where he emerged as the winner of the show’s 22nd series. His success on the reality series gave him a taste of the limelight once again, and while he had retired from acting in 2021 due to feeling disconnected from the profession, his post-soap career flourished in other areas.
Since his retirement, Ryan made appearances on shows like Celebrity MasterChef in 2022 and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, where he demonstrated a surprising knack for antiques and went on to win the latter. In 2023, Ryan also took home the coveted Dancing on Ice trophy, marking another triumphant moment in his varied TV career.
Although his acting retirement was meant to be permanent, Ryan’s recent ventures have showcased his ongoing popularity and ability to entertain. His return to Coronation Street, however brief, is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated moments for fans.
More Television Projects on the Horizon
Ryan’s return to acting is not limited to Coronation Street. Later this spring, Ryan will team up with his younger brother, Adam Thomas, to host a new ITV gameshow titled 99 To Beat. In this competition, 100 contestants face off in a variety of challenges, with the losers being eliminated after each round. The last remaining contestant will win a grand prize, and Ryan and Adam will guide them through each stage. The duo’s chemistry promises to bring a fresh dynamic to the show, and it’s the first time they’ve worked together professionally.
Adam, known for his role on Waterloo Road, shared his excitement about hosting the show with his brother: “It’s our first gig together. I don’t think we’ve ever worked together before, so to be doing a show like this, it’s definitely a dream come true.”
What’s Next for Ryan Thomas?
While his brief return to Coronation Street may be the most exciting moment for many fans, Ryan’s ongoing work in the entertainment industry shows that he is far from retiring for good. His upcoming projects, coupled with his emotional return to Weatherfield, indicate that the actor has more to offer in the world of television.
As fans eagerly await Jason Grimshaw’s brief return to the cobbles, it’s clear that Ryan Thomas’s career continues to evolve, with exciting opportunities ahead both on screen and behind the scenes. Whether it’s his return to Coronation Street or his new role as a TV host, Ryan’s star continues to shine brightly.
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