Coronation Street is set to bring back one of its most iconic characters of all time for the exit of Gail Platt (Helen Worth) as serial killer Richard Hillman stages a shock return.
Well, kind of.
Brian Capron has reprised his role as the murderous salesman who blighted the lives of the Platts, as part of Gail’s final episodes after a staggering 50 years.
Fans fondly recall Richard’s reign of terror as one of the show’s highest points, with many storylines across all soaps trying (and sometimes failing) to replicate the camp killer madness.
Now, with Gail set to reflect on her life and loves as she prepares to marry Jesse Chadwick (John Thomson), she will be visited by a vision of her most evil husband, who will steer her in one direction or another.
A source first alerted Metro to this development some weeks ago, with a reportedly soaking wet Brian Capron being spotted on set amid filming the scenes.
In the Christmas spirit, we initially decided to sit on the information to preserve the final surprise in Helen’s half a century tenure.
However, as confirmed through a leak by the Sun, Richard is back – although, as we understand it, in a very fleeting capacity.
And whether it leads Gail to say ‘I do’ for the 1,000th time remains to be seen.
However, it’s the end of the line for the much loved character, with show boss Kate Brooks confirming that Christmas Day will be her final episode.
‘This is a story with the Platts at the heart of it, it’s really festive,’ she told us. ‘It’s a story about how secrets impact and implode on a family, so there’s a lot of betrayals, and lots of secrets are exposed during this episode.
‘I think we’re all in need of a bit of escapism at the minute and we’ve had quite a dark but brilliant few months on the cobbles.
‘The Christmas period for us is all about trying to tap into the family dynamics of the Platts, what makes people tick and ultimately trying to make sure that we give glorious Gail the exit that she deserves.
‘We can’t tell a story on Christmas Day about her exit without it being steeped in nostalgia, and there’s tons of that in this episode – hopefully people will be crying, they’ll be laughing, there’ll be gasps and people will sit back afterwards and feel that it was just what they needed.’
She added: ‘I’m devastated that Gail’s leaving, because she’s so iconic and I think that label gets bandied about quite readily – but it’s Gail! 50 years she’s been on the Street!
‘It was really important to make sure that her departure felt really fitting and in keeping with who she is as a character.’
MORE: Coronation Street confirms end of an era as legend faces jail in new Christmas spoilers
MORE: Coronation Street confirms exit as legend threatens legal action in 23 pictures
MORE: It’s war – again! Coronation Street re-ignites Gail v Eileen with fresh clash