Coronation Street legend teases soap return five years after shock exit
CORONATION Street favourite Nigel Havers could walk the Cobbles once more – even though his character dropped dead five years ago.
However, the actor has enjoyed teasing fans that in the world of soaps, even the dead can make a spectacular comeback.
During a Good Morning Britain appearance this week, the 72-year-old actor dropped his strongest hint yet that Lewis Archer will return.
He told hosts Ed Balls and Ranvir Singh: “We always talk about Corrie. You never know I may come back!”
This isn’t the first time Nigel has told the show Lewis could return to wreak more of his conman havoc.
Just after he exited the soap in 2019, he suggested on Good Morning Britain that he might return – very plausibly – as Lewis’ twin brother, who lives in Australia.
He said at the time: “Of course, never ever say never, we’re mad to do that!”
If Lewis does return, there will likely be no shortage of drama that will follow.
The character – who is a conman, male escort and all round sleaze – first appeared in 2009.
He had an off-off relationship with Audrey, but broke her heart after stealing from Barlow’s Bookies and fleeing the country.
Lewis then returned in 2012 as a changed man, paying back the money he stole and reuniting with his love.
But they split up due to pressure from Audrey’s daughter Gail Platt and barmaid Gloria Price, who disapproved of their relationship.
Gail then began a secret affair with Lewis after he promised to whisk her away to Italy for a fresh start.
But their romantic dream was shattered when Lewis decided to go back to his old ways by stealing £40,000 from her account, forcing him to do a runner once more.
The boomerang baddie returned for a third time in 2018 and he concocted a plan to con Gail again
Even though his thieving fingers were never far away, Audrey fell head over heels again for him – but suspicions were high that he was about to do away with her life savings once more.
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Fate intervened this time, with Lewis dramatically dying from a heart attack in Audrey’s house while clutching an engagement ring.
By all accounts, Audrey had a lucky escape – but fans are beginning to wonder if Lewis will make a surprise appearance just as Gail departs from the soap at Christmas.
Actress Helen Worth, who has played Gail for an incredible 50 years, announced last month she was stepping back from the role.
Coronation Street is on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV