EXCLUSIVE: Coronation Street legend Dev Alahan, played by Jimmi Harkishin makes a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT that has viewers saying the SAME THING

Dev Alahan made a dramatic comeback to Coronation Street during Friday’s (July 18) episode after a six-month hiatus in India, prompting viewers to all share the same reaction.

Dev, played by Jimmi Harkishin, has been a familiar face on the soap since 1999 but took a sabbatical earlier this year.

Dev, Aadi and Bernie

The storyline explained his absence with a family crisis in India, where his aunt Gita had taken a serious tumble.

The plot thickened following Dev’s recent proposal to his partner Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove), who decided to remain in Weatherfield after her son Paul Foreman’s (Peter Ash) devastating death.

In the latest instalment, Dev’s return to the street coincided with the revelation that Aadi Alahan (Adam Hussain) and Brody Michaelis (Ryan Mulvey) had faked a robbery at the shop for insurance purposes.

He confessed to Bernie about taking out a loan and the shop being £6,000 in debt, reports he Mirror.

Bernie vowed to keep Dev in the dark, urging Aadi and Brody to maintain their fabricated tale. As Bernie and Aadi were conspiring to preserve the secret, they were stunned when Dev burst in. “Surprise! I’m back!” he exclaimed, embracing them with hugs and kisses.

“This has been too, too long! What’s been going on? What have I been missing out on?” he asked, as the scene closed on Aadi and Bernie’s anxious expressions.

The cliffhanger leaves us wondering if they can keep the secret under wraps.

Fans have been buzzing on X, previously known as Twitter, with one exclaiming: “So glad Dev’s back!” while another elated viewer exclaimed: “Finally, Dev has returned!”.

Dev, Bernie Aadi

“About time Dev!” a third fan declared, and yet another speculated excitedly: “Dev returns! Dev and Bernie’s wedding incoming and it’s going to be carnage I can’t wait!”.

“But now Dev is back. It should get interesting. I knew Jimi was coming back at some point. Ending was good. He comes through the door, lol,” commented an eager fan. “Dev turned up at the perfect time,” chuckled another.

Coronation Street is on ITV at 8pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and available to stream from 7am on ITVX