The TV star is famed for having played Jason Grimshaw in the ITV soap and will be reprising the role
Ryan Thomas has said that he ‘almost cried’ when returning to Coronation Street as he headed back to the cobbles for the first time in almost 10 days.
The TV star, who said he retired from acting in 2021, is famed for having played Jason Grimshaw in the ITV soap from 2000 to 2016. He recently confirmed that he’ll be reprising the role, but only for a short stint.
Jason will be making the trip back to Weatherfield as part of Sue Cleaver’s exit storyline as she bows out of the role of matriarch Eileen Grimshaw after 25 years.
Ryan recently told press as he spoke about his presenting gig on 99 To Beat with his brother Adam: “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…”
Ryan 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.”
Ryan has since revealed his first day back filming was on Thursday (March 20) as he was quizzed on his return during an appearance on This Morning alongside former Emmerdale star Adam on Friday (March 21).
Host Josie Gibson said: “Ry, I’ve got to ask you… How does it feel? You’re going to be returning to the cobbles…” to which Ryan said: “I know, I know… Where it all started.
“It was my first day yesterday. For the first time in nearly ten years I stepped back on them cobbles and I was in the Rovers all day. It was a real moment…”
He went on: “As they opened the gates, the security man said to me, ‘Welcome home!’ and I nearly started crying. I was 16 when I started there and I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for that show.
“The people is what I missed and I get to see all the same makeup artists, all the same crew, cast and it’s home. It was so lovely. I’ve got a few more days next week and I’m looking forward to it.”
On how he ended up returning, Ryan shared: “Sue rang me and said, ‘Can you come back for my exit storyline?’ and when mother says you’ve got to do something, you do it!”
Adam interjected: “She’s not our real mum!” before laughing as Ryan added: “Not real mum, but she may as well be!” as he went on to speak about spending his childhood on the famous show.
Meanwhile, Sue confirmed her decision to leave Corrie back in January. She said in a statement: “I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.
“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.”