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A fan-favourite Coronation StreetA star is making an unexpected comeback – 16 months after ‘disappearing’ from theITV soap without an explanation.

The character initially came to Weatherfield over ten years ago, but has made occasional appearances in recent times.

Alex Warner, portrayed by actor Liam Bairstow, first appeared as the nephew of Cathy Matthews, played by Melanie Hill.

Nevertheless, he has not appeared on screen since January 2025, leading audiences to wonder about Alex’s location.

According to The Sun, fans can be assured that he is expected to return next week following an extended break.

A confidential informant shared with the magazine: ‘This will be excellent news for fans of Coronation Street who had doubts about whether Alex would return to the screen.’

He has always been a highly cherished character, so it will be amazing to witness his return in action.

Furthermore, The Sun reported that actor Liam is included in a cast list released for episodes scheduled to air next week.

He first appeared on the show in 2015, appearing in 55 episodes during his initial year of involvement.

On his return, audiences will witness Alex back at Roy’s Rolls, where he first secured a position with Cathy’s help, who had previously been in a relationship with cafe owner Roy (David Neilson).

The character’s latest scenes, broadcast in January 2025, showed him helping an ill Carla Connor (Alison King) in the café just before shecollapsed due to suspected kidney failure and sepsis.

Elsewhere, Actors from Coronation Street and Emmerdale are said to have warned they may walk out of workfollowing widespread salary reductions and reduced broadcasting time.

Actors have sought assistance from the Equity union following an email informing them that they will be involved in fewer scenes, leading to reduced pay.

This has led certain celebrities to state they might lose up to one sixth of their yearly earnings in what has been referred to as a ‘pay-as-you-play’ agreement.

And currently, the union is reported to be preparing to conduct a vote among its members regarding possible strike actions.

A source revealed to The Sun: “An email was sent by ITV management to approximately 140 actors and their agents at the same time, stating that all new contracts will be reduced by one sixth starting in August.”

It has sparked outrage, with no prior discussion, as they essentially demanded the stars accept it or walk away. This constitutes a significant crisis.

It is known that some actors from Coronation Street and Emmerdale are angry — and some have been emotional due to concerns about covering their expenses.

A member of the cast is reported to have reached out to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy regarding the decision, and she is anticipated to also engage in talks with Equity, as she is “deeply concerned” about the action.

However, certain long-term cast members will be safeguarded because of their older agreements.

Salaries vary from £250,000 for top earners, while new entrants receive between £40,000 and £80,000, typically on a per-episode basis with a set minimum number of appearances.

ITV stated that the changes will be put into effect, while Equity mentioned they are ‘supporting members in ongoing dramas at ITV concerning decisions about contract terms’.

The announcement about the pay reduction follows closely after ITV revealed they are implementing another adjustment, this time advantageous for Emmerdale and Coronation Street actors as they will now be permitted to take brief leaves from the series to participate in pantomimes for the first time.

A representative from ITV statedRadio TimesWe have decided to let some of the actors from Emmerdale and Coronation Street take part in the pantomime this year.

We have been reviewing this for some time, and with sufficient advance notice, we have managed to free the actors for a short period.

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