Coronation Street legend Spider Nugent is returning to the soap 19 years after exit

CORONATION Street legend Geoffrey ‘Spider’ Nugent is returning to the soap 19 years after his exit.

The eco warrior, who was married to Toyah Battersby, became a fan favourite when he made his debut in 1997.

Actor Martin Hancock is now resuming the role and will make his screen return in July.

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 [Macleod] for the opportunity.”

Corrie producer Iain Macleod said of Martin’s return: “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?”

Spider is the nephew of another legendary character, Emily Bishop, played by Eileen Derbyshire.

He turned up at her door in ’97 having dropped out of uni, and he quickly threw himself into local activism, campaigning to prevent a concert bowl being built n the rec.

After spending some time in London, he went on a charity mission to Peru and got a job as a teacher.

His ex Toyah will tie the knot with fiancé Imran Habeeb next week in a dramatic ceremony that sees Abi Webster beg her to jilt him.

Abi, who gave birth to Imran’s son Alfie following a one night stand, is locked in a bitter custody battle with the solicitor.