Ryan Thomas, known for his role as Jason Grimshaw in Coronation Street, recently revealed his much-anticipated return to the ITV soap after nearly a decade.
The actor joined the show as Eileen Grimshaw’s (played by Sue Cleaver) son in 2020 and was involved in various pivotal storylines until his departure when his character moved to Thailand in 2016.
Despite his character being mentioned over the years, viewers haven’t seen him in Weatherfield since his exit. Speaking on This Morning with hosts Dermot O’Leary and Josie Gibson, Ryan shared the details of his emotional comeback.
Josie asked: “I’ve got to ask you, how does it feel? You’re going to be returning to the cobbles!” to which Ryan responded enthusiastically: “I know where it all started. It was actually my first day yesterday.”
Detailing his nostalgic visit to the set, Ryan added: “The first time in nearly 10 years, I stepped back on them cobbles. I was in the Rovers all day yesterday. It was a real moment. As they opened the gate, the security man said to me, ‘Welcome home’. I nearly started crying.”
Reflecting on his initial days on Coronation Street and attributing his success to those experiences, Ryan said: “I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for that show.
“The people are what I miss, I get to see all the same make-up artists, all the same crew and cast. It’s home. It was so lovely, I got a few more days next week as well, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Josie shared that it was Ryan’s on-screen mum who invited him back for her show exit. He said: “Sue rang me and said, ‘Will you come back for my exit storyline?’
“When mother says you’ve got to do something, you do it! Not my real mum but she might as well be.”
He reflected on how long he’d been with the soap, acknowledging his on-set childhood. Ryan continued: “I had a child and all these things, now I’ve got three beautiful children, I’m here now with Adam (Thomas), we’re promoting 99 To Beat, it’s a weird world, isn’t it!”
Earlier this year, Sue Cleaver shared news of her leaving the soap after 25 years as Eileen Grimshaw. While her final appearances are yet to be scheduled, they’re anticipated to be later on in the year, reports Plymouth Live.
Discussing her reasons for departing, she told Loose Women viewers: “I have decided after 25 wonderful years that it is time to hang Eileen back up in the prop cupboard.
“I’ve decided it’s time to leave, they’re keeping the door firmly open for me. It’s just the right time! I went into that show when my son was, well he’s 29 now, he was very young. It became my family.”
