Actor Ryan Thomas was last seen in Weatherfield in 2016

Ryan Thomas reprised his role as Jason Grimshaw(Image: ITV)

Jason Grimshaw returned to Coronation Street just as Eileen Grimshaw grieved the loss of her sister Julie Carp, ahead of her upcoming departure.

Fans of the ITV soap will recall that Jason first appeared with his mother Eileen and brother Todd as a seventeen-year-old in 2001. He gained a reputation for being quite the ladies man, involved in various failed relationships with Sarah Platt and Rosie Webster, to Becky McDonald and Eva Price.

He’s been the star of various big storylines over the years as a member of one of the most beloved families in Weatherfield. These include being attacked by his enemy Callum Logan, grieving for his father, Tony, after his death off-screen and later becoming a suspect in Callum’s murder.

Jason jetted off to Thailand in 2016 and left the cobbles behind for a fresh start, bidding farewell to Todd and Eileen.

Actor Ryan Thomas who plays Jason, left for new opportunities and landed a role as Rafael Humphreys in the Australian soap, Neighbours. This was officially his final role as he decided to retire from acting in 2021.

The star previously shared that he made the decision after “falling out of love with the industry”.

Sue Cleaver (Eileen Grimshaw) will be departing from Corrie in upcoming episodes after being on the soap for 25 years, as she shared: “The door is still firmly open, but as I reached my 60th year I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures and live fearlessly.”

Ryan recalled being asked back to the soap for a brief stint ready for Sue’s exit, as he said: “I got the call from Sue saying would I come back for her exit storyline – that’s where my career started and I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for Coronation Street…”

He went on: “That place will always have my respect and I’m very loyal to where I came from. They taught me everything I know, so I’m excited.”

Eileen was thrilled to see Jason(Image: ITV)

During Friday’s (30th May) instalment, Eileen is sat in the Rovers Return celebrating the memory of her sister Julie who returned earlier this year to live out her final few months with her cancer diagnosis.

Eileen was feeling overwhelmed as George Shuttleworth who has been feeling neglected by Eileen over recent weeks, decided it would be the perfect time to propose.

She was saved from giving a response, however, as Jason strolled in with his suitcase and announced: “The rover returns” as he was greeted by surprised faces.

While it is only a brief appearance, Ryan revealed: “He’s struggling for money, his girlfriend left him, and he needs his mum. He says he’s come back for Eileen, but he really needs a cuddle and his safety net.”