Former Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas will be making a shock return to the cobbles almost a decade after he quit the soap and launched a new reality TV career
Ryan Thomas, who played Jason Grimshaw on Coronation Street, is making a brief return to the soap, it has been announced.
The 40 year old star, who retired from acting in 2021, will return to Weatherfield as his character’s mum Eileen prepares to permanently depart the cobbles, following actress Sue Cleaver’s decision to leave the series after 25 years.
While Ryan left Coronation Street in 2016, his character Jason was not killed off and instead he emigrated to Thailand and has been mentioned by his mum Eileen on occasion since. “It was a no brainer for Ryan to return when he was asked – it’s all for Sue,” a source claims.
A insider went on to tell The Sun: “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.”
Ryan first appeared as Jason in 2000, and left the series in 2016. He then appeared as Rafael Humphreys in Neighbours in 2018, and won the twenty-second series of Celebrity Big Brother the same year. Ryan announced his retirement from acting in 2021, saying on the Mancs on the Mic podcast: “I started off acting, I started off in that game and I really lost the big for it. I feel the reason for losing the bug is rejection and going to auditions and not getting them.”
He went on to appear on Celebrity Masterchef in 2022, and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, which he won. Last year, Ryan won Dancing on Ice, and he returned at the start of the 2025 series to meet this year’s contestants. He appeared on the series wearing a striking, shimmering silver top which complemented the Dancing On Ice trophy – which he waved in front of the cameras.
Handing the trophy to him, host Holly Willoughby said: “I’m going to hand this back to you. Only for a short while. It feels like only yesterday that you held that up as our winner.” Seeming emotional, Ryan then said: “I just can’t believe that I’m here. I’m so privileged and honoured to be brought back.”
Ryan is also due back on TV later this spring when he will be hosting a new gameshow for ITV with his younger brother Adam. The show is titled 99 To Beat, which sees 100 contestants, guided by Ryan and Adam as they go head to head in a range of challenges. After every game, those who lose must leave the competition until the last remaining contestant bags the top prize.
Adam, who stars in Waterloo Road, said: “It’s our first gig together. I don’t think we’ve ever worked together before so to be doing a show like this called 99 To Beat and to be hosting, is definitely a dream come true. We just can’t believe it, it’s been a long time coming and it’s finally happened.”
He added: “And we get to present a new family gameshow for ITV and yeah, it just doesn’t get bigger and better than that. It’s a brand new concept, it’s not been done before over in the UK and we’re just so happy we get to front it. It’s going to be a fun one. It’s one of those gameshows that anyone can do. Even people at home can get involved, it’s that good.”
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