Coronation Street favourite Jim McDonald is to make an “explosive” return to Weatherfield after being jailed for armed robbery in 2011.
The hardman, played by Charlie Lawson, is due for release and will be back on our screens in a matter of weeks.
Lawson’s character, who first appeared in the soap nearly 30 years ago, made a brief comeback in 2014 when he filmed scenes from behind bars.
A Coronation Street spokesman said: “Jim is such a hugely popular character. We’re delighted he is coming back for what will be a typically explosive Jim storyline.”
Lawson responded to a fan on Twitter who had asked him if he was returning to the street.
He said: “Patience lads, patience!”
Patience lads, patience! https://t.co/r8c5Nfqo8r
— Charlie Lawson (@charlie_lawson1) April 27, 2018
The character of Jim is known by fans for his Northern Irish accent and catchphrase of “So it is”.
Lawson, whose character was involved in a turbulent marriage with Liz McDonald (Beverly Callard), quit the soap in 2000 but returned in 2010.
He left again in 2011 following a storyline which saw him attempting to rob a building society so he and Liz could buy the Rovers Return.
His comeback will coincide with son Steve (Simon Gregson) marrying Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) for a second time.
Coronation Street returns on ITV on Friday at 7.30pm and 8.30pm.