A familiar face is set to return to the cobbles soon.
Donnaleigh Bailey, who plays PC Jess Heywood on Coronation Street, has revealed she is back filming for the ITV soap.
She first appeared in the role in 2017 and has appeared on and off ever since in different storylines.
Coronation Street's Donnaleigh Bailey teases return to ITV soap soon
The 43-year-old actress teased her return in a recent Instagram post, sharing a video of herself in police uniform inside a studio dressing room.
She captioned the post: "PC Jess loading."
Her character last appeared earlier this year, investigating Todd Grimshaw and Theo Silverton’s domestic abuse case.
PC Heywood originally appeared as a mentor to Craig Tinker during his police training.
Before taking on the role of the Weatherfield officer, Ms Bailey appeared briefly on the soap as a nurse in 2015.
In that appearance, she cared for Simon Barlow after he had badly cut his arm.
Viewers can expect her character to be back involved in crime investigations in upcoming episodes.
Away from Corrie, Ms Bailey enjoyed an eight-year stint as Michelle Corrigan in the BBC soap opera Doctors.
She left the show in 2010 with the desire to explore other career opportunities.
Coming up on the Cobbles... Harper is home! But Sarah's confession about Jodie attacking her might throw a spanner in the family party mood. 😬
Plus Cassie's latest plot to expose Ross involves an introduction of an ex 👀
Read more about what's coming up via the link below 🔗… pic.twitter.com/fBHGZ5Kzsv— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) July 20, 2026
On the decision to leave, she said at the time: "It was so sad, and filming the last episode was awful.
"I sobbed from the first scene of the day to the very end!"
Other acting credits include Holby City and Casualty.
Corrie star returning to cobbles after 20 years in new role
Ms Bailey's return to Corrie is not the only one fans can look forward to, with TV legend Elizabeth Rider also coming back.
Ms Rider, who played Ashley Peacock’s biological mother in Coronation Street, is making a comeback this summer, but in a brand new part.
Her return marks 20 years since she last appeared on the show.
"Corrie bosses are delighted to have tempted Elizabeth for a short stint on the cobbles," a source told The Sun.
"She’s a legendary actress with a huge amount of talent and everyone’s thrilled she’s here."
This will be Ms Rider’s fourth role on the ITV soap, having previously appeared in two other parts as far back as 1999.
Her impressive career spans all four major British soaps, including EastEnders, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks.
She also had a recurring role in the BBC One series Doctors, playing DCI Lynette Driver.
Ms Rider’s TV credits extend beyond soap operas.
She has appeared in critically acclaimed dramas such as Line of Duty, Doctor Foster, and Call the Midwife, as well as popular shows The Sarah Jane Adventures and Doctor Who.
Who is one character you would love to see return to the cobbles? Let us know in the comments.
