Carla Connor could be heading back to Coronation Street

2016 is shaping up to be the year of the comeback on Coronation Street.

Peter Barlow, Toyah Battersby and Daniel Osbourne have all returned to Weatherfield in recent months – and soap fans will be thrilled to learn that Carla Connor is on the verge of joining them.

The much-loved character, played by actress Alison King, only disappeared from our screens back in May – but new Corrie boss Kate Oates is just itching to get her back on the payroll.

“Alison decided to leave before Kate took over the role of series producer, something Kate was gutted about,” an ITV insider revealed.

“Kate is a big fan of Alison and is keen to get her back full-time as she loved her character.

“Alison struggled to find work since leaving in the summer and the cast and viewers would love her to return too. There was always an emphasis on the door being left open for her character and several storylines are coming up that could make that happen.”

And guess what? Just last week the 43-year-old actress was even spotted backstage on the set!

Oh, and since on-screen dad Johnny is about to propose to Jenny Bradley in an upcoming story, surely a Weatherfield wedding is the perfect time for her to return?

Alison quit the soap earlier in the year to spend more time with her family. “I’ve probably only ever done about 20 pick-ups or drop-offs in all the time my daughter’s been at school, which is quite sad,” she explained.

“And creatively, I miss being other people. It’s what I went to drama school for. I love playing diverse characters and meeting new people.”

So much for that, then!