Spider is returning to Coronation Street after almost 20 years

Spider Nugent is returning to 'Coronation Street.'

The eco warrior - who appeared on the cobbles between 1997 and 2003 - was initially introduced as the nephew of legendary character Emily Bishop and original actor Martin Hancock is thrilled to be returning to the ITV soap 25 years after making his debut.

He said: "Having the opportunity to walk back onto the cobbles is fabulous, I’m so excited to be seeing a lot of old friends and picking up what Spider has been up to. I’ve always wanted to come back at some point and it just felt like this is the right time. I’m eternally grateful to Iain for the opportunity."

During his time on the soap, Spider - whose real name was Geoffrey David Nugent - struck up on on/off relationship with Toyah Battersby and the pair left the Street in 2000 for a new life in London.

The relationship failed and the pair split up, with Spider moving to Peru and Toyah leaving for Liverpool only to move back to Weatherfield to be with her family back in 2016.

Meanwhile, Spider - who was last seen visiting Emily after she had been attacked by serial killer Richard Hillman in 2003 - carried out charity work in Peru and was joined by his aunt back in 2016 following actress Eileen Derbyshire's decision to step back from the show.

'Corrie' boss Iain McLeod teased that Spider's return to the soap will serve as an "enthralling new story" for his former flame - played by Georgia Taylor -which could potentially "ruin her life forever."

He said: "Martin is a fabulous actor and Spider is a character with real heritage, and affection from fans. His return heralds an enthralling new story for Toyah, who will be embroiled in a mess of guilt and secrecy when Spider arrives. Will he be her saviour or the thing that ruins her life forever?"

Scenes featuring Spider's return to 'Coronation Street' are set to air from July 2022.