CORONATION Street is bringing back comedian John Thomson to replace axed Sean Wilson’s character Martin Platt.
Cold Feet and Fast Show star John, 55, will have a romance plotline with Martin’s ex-wife Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, 73, who is leaving the ITV soap.
Coronation Street is bringing back comedian John ThomsonCredit: Supplied
John is set to replace axed Sean Wilson’s character Martin PlattCredit: ITV
Bosses had to drum up the emergency tale after axing 59-year-old Sean’s character just two weeks ago — as revealed on Saturday by The Sun.
Cast and crew were baffled by Sean’s leaving.
A spokeswoman said he “stepped down for personal reasons”.
A source said of John’s return: “It’s been an absolutely frantic, incredibly stressful past couple of weeks for Corrie bosses and scriptwriters.
“So many new departure storylines for Gail were mooted but they were set on a love interest one – which proved tricky as she buried five of her six ex-husbands. And the remaining living one, Martin, was obviously axed in real life.
“They wanted a recognisable name and plumped for John as his character was popular with viewers and a real blast from the past.”
John arrived on the Cobbles as a biker in 1990 and returned in 2008 as Jesse Chadwick until 2010.
His return gives Gail the chance of a last laugh over sworn enemy Eileen Grimshaw — who Jesse dated — before she leaves later this year.
“Of course it would also leave the door open for Gail’s return one day should she ever fancy a special cameo.”
Sean was due to reunite with Helen Worth for her character Gail Platt’s much-anticipated exit storyline
Sean as Martin Platt on CorrieCredit: Rex
Happy couple Gail and Martin welcome son David in 1990
