NEW Coronation Street boss Kate Brooks has pulled out all the stops to revitalise the soap into its 65th year – and she’s bagged a string of high profile returns.

But why are they all returning and why now?

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Cath Tyldesley has been tempted back for another Corrie stintCredit: Rex Features

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Ryan and Katy have both returned for Sue’s exitCredit: ITV
Corrie fans were left stunned by a string of high profile exits being revealed earlier this year, while a cash crisis at ITV caused chaos in soapland.

But the news that Ryan Thomas, Katy Cavanagh and Catherine Tyldesley are returning has put the smiles back on fans’ faces.

The Sun exclusively revealed how Ryan would make a short-term comeback later this month as part of on-screen mum Sue Cleaver’s exit.

A source said: “It was a no brainer for Ryan to return when he was asked – it’s all for Sue.

“She’s like a second mum to him and he was willing to do anything to make her send off as special as she deserves it to be.

“He’s not acted for a while so it’s a bit daunting but he played Jason for so long that he’s looking forward to going back to the cobbles.”

Sue’s exit is also the reason for Katy returning as the iconic Julie Carp.

However, that comeback is tinged with sadness as it will also see a permanent exit for Julie with her terminal cancer diagnosis.

The chance to return and say goodbye to Julie was what tempted Katy back.

She said: “It was really lovely to get the call. It is something I haven’t thought about for many years.

Street is killing off a beloved character

“And I’m very fond of Julie, so it was a good feeling. It also felt good to be asked to be part of Eileen’s departure story it is perfect to come and have some closure on Julie and Eileen,

to kind of revisit her.

“It also attracted me as it was for a short set period of time and I could fit it in with the other things going on in my life.”

Meanwhile The Sun exclusively revealed last month how Catherine will be making a bombshell return this summer.

And for her – it’s all about the storyline that brings Eva Price back to the cobbles.

A source said: “Cath has been away for a while and worked on countless other projects but she really missed Corrie.

“They’ve tried to get her back a few times but the stars have never aligned.

“But when she was approached with the idea for Eva’s return, it was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Coronation Street’s 2024 shock exits

Corrie has said goodbye to several cast members this year. Let’s break down who’s left the famous soap:

Eliza Woodrow (Savannah Kunyo) has said farewell to Corrie to start a new life in Germany.

The youngster moved to live with her dad Dom Everett, who went back on the £10,000 bribe Eliza’s grandfather Stu had offered to keep him out of her life.

Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) will bow out of the soap this summer when he loses his fight with motor neurone disease (MND) in tragic scenes.

After being diagnosed last year, the fan favourite was devastated to learn he only had months left to live.

Viewers know he is planning to take his own life to end his suffering.

Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) departed the cobbles after being offered the opportunity of a lifetime to study in America.

Though she struggled to decide with her stepdad Paul’s impending death from MND, she was convinced she had to live her life to the full.

Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) has struggled with the sudden departure of his father Peter from the cobbles.

The Weatherfield legend left his family and loved ones behind on Boxing Day, 2023, when his wife Carla Connor encouraged him to travel around the world with a friend.

Simon’s been on a downward spiral ever since and his exit could end in tragedy.

Alya Nazir is set to leave the cobbles as actress Sair Khan prepares to go on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her first child.

It looks likely she’ll be heading to Dublin after securing a lucrative new job, leaving her colleague and fling Adam Barlow behind.

Show stalwart Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, is taking a break to star in the Sister Act The Musical UK tour. She will be back filming in May once her dates on the tour come to an end.

Her character left the Street after her son Jason broke his back after falling off a moped in Asia.

“She’ll start filming again in summer and be back on screen for autumn.

“She’s so excited and can’t wait to get back on the cobbles and it’s definitely not going to be a storyline to miss.”