A fan-favourite Coronation Street star is making a surprise return - 16 months after 'disappearing' from the ITV soap without an explanation.

The character first arrived in Weatherfield more than a decade ago, but has appeared sporadically in recent years. 

Alex Warner - played by actor Liam Bairstow - debuted as the nephew of Cathy Matthews (Melanie Hill).

However, he hasn't been seen on-screen since January 2025, prompting viewers to question Alex's whereabouts.

According to The Sun, fans can rest assured as he will be reportedly be back next week after a lengthy hiatus.

A source told the publication: 'It will be great news for Coronation Street fans who were left unsure if Alex would be back on-screen.

'He's always been a much-loved character so it will be brilliant to see him back in action.'

In addition, The Sun told how actor Liam is in a cast list published for episodes airing next week.

He originally joined the show in 2015, featuring in 55 total episodes throughout his first year on-screen. 

In his return, viewers will see Alex back at Roy's Rolls, where he initially bagged a job through Cathy, who previously dated cafe owner Roy (David Neilson).

The character's most recent scenes, aired in January 2025, saw him assist an unwell Carla Connor (Alison King) in the cafe right before she collapsed from suspected kidney failure and sepsis.

Elsewhere, Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars reportedly threatened to go on strike after mass pay cuts and less airtime.

Cast members have turned to acting union Equity for support after they received an email advising they will be filming fewer scenes, being paid less as a result.

This has caused some stars to claim they could lose as much as a sixth of their annual income in what has been described as a 'pay-as-you-play' deal.

And now the union are said to be planning to ballot members over potential strike action.

A source told The Sun: 'An email went out from ITV management telling 140-odd actors and their agents simultaneously that all new contracts are being cut by a sixth from August.

'It's caused uproar, there was no consultation, they effectively told the stars to take it or leave it. This is a major crisis.'

It's understood that some Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars are furious - and some have been in tears after 'worrying about paying their bills'.

One cast member is said to have contacted Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy about the decision, and she is expected to also have discussions with Equity as she is 'very concerned' about the move.

But some of the longest-serving cast members will be protected due to their older contracts.

Pay ranges between £250,000 for the top earners and around £40,000 to £80,000 for newcomers, who are on pay per episode deals with a guaranteed minimum number of appearances.

ITV confirmed the changes will be implemented, while Equity said they are 'supporting members across continuing dramas at ITV in relation to decisions made regarding contractual terms'.

News of the paycut comes days after ITV confirmed they are making another change, but one which will benefit Emmerdale and Coronation Street stars because they will be allowed to take short breaks from the soaps to appear in pantomime for the first time.

A spokesperson for ITV told Radio Times: 'We've agreed to release a few of the actors from Emmerdale and Coronation Street to appear in pantomime this year.

'We've been looking at this for a while and with plenty of notice, we've been able to release the actors for a limited time.