For the first time since it was announced that John Thompson would be returning to Coronation Street, he has been spotted.
The TV personality was brought in to take Sean Wilson’s position after the Martin Platt actor was unexpectedly fired after filming sequences for Gail Platt’s impending leaving plotline.
John, who will reprise his role as children’s entertainer Jesse Chadwick 14 years after he last graced the cobbles, looked relaxed as he strolled around Manchester.
He wore a military style khaki jacket over a white T-shirt and blue jeans, and he tinkered with an earbud while walking in the sunshine.
The popular actor was spotted nipping into a hair salon and E-cig shop on his outing.
There could be an awkward reunion on the set when John films his scenes after criticism he levelled at a former co-star recently resurfaced.
In 2011, a year after leaving, John took to Twitter and slammed Antony Cotton as a “nasty piece of work”.
At the time, Antony who plays Sean Tully, had been competing in hit ITV show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
According to news, Cold Feet star John wrote: “Antony Cotton – the truth will out.
“Antony you nasty piece of work you are doing yourself no favours.”
When asked by another user how Antony had been to work with, the actor reportedly added: “Trouble with a capital T.”
Antony, 49, has portrayed Sean since 2003 and is part of the cast to this day.
Last week, The Sun exclusively revealed John’s return to Corrie as a late addition to actress Helen Worth’s exit storyline.
Although his character Jesse dated Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) in his first stint, reports suggest he will now be in a romantic storyline with Gail.
A source said: “They wanted a recognisable name and plumped for John as his character was popular with viewers and a real blast from the past.”
They added: “Obviously his character, Jesse, had a doomed fling with Eileen, so they thought having him come back onto the cobbles and flirt with Eileen’s frenemy would be both funny and a fantastic final fling.
“Of course it would also leave the door open for Gail’s return one day should she ever fancy a special cameo.”
John previously swore he ‘wouldn’t return’ to Corrie following his departure.
He said: “I’ve been fortunate. I’ve had a varied career and like popping in and out of things. I was in it for ten months and felt I’d run my course.”
He continued: “I don’t want to be known as Jesse Chadwick, children’s entertainer, for the rest of my life.
“My time in there was probably about right.”
John’s other work includes beloved sketch programme The Fast Show, starring as various characters, and in ITV drama Cold Feet as Pete Gifford.
What circumstances will bring Jesse Chadwick back to Weatherfield after all this time?
Coronation Street airs on ITV and is available to watch on ITVX.
