Coronation Street legend Martin Hancock has bagged himself a role on rival soap Casualty after a whopping 26 years on the cobbles. 

The actor, 56, took on the role of DC Spider Nugent in 1997. 

He’s had a number of stints in Weatherfield over the years, including his first between 1997 and 2000, followed by another in 2001 and 2002. 

His alter-ego made another appearance for a year in 2022.  

Martin has appeared in 340 episodes over the years during his on/off stint of the eco-warrior. 

But now he has taken on the new role of Samuel Jankowski in Casualty. 

Coronation Street legend Martin Hancock bags role on rival BBC soap after a whopping 26 years on the cobbles

The actor, 56, took on the role of Spider Nugent in 1997 and has played his alter-ego on/off for the past two decades 

Not much is known about his new character, but he is related to Indie Jankowski (Naomi Wakszlak), a third-year paramedic student at Holby University. 

And he’s due to make his first appearance on the medical show at the beginning of April. 

Although he’s landed an exciting new role on another programme, the actor certainly hasn’t shut down returning to Coronation Street in the future. 

When asked by Manchester Evening News if he would return, he simply replied: ‘Yes.’

He continued: ‘That’s how long it took for me to decide that one. 

‘I said it the first time around, the second time around, the third time around.

‘And this is the fourth time around, yeah of course. I love the show.’ 

Fans last saw Spider when he left Weatherfield and had to say good bye to his girlfriend Toyah Battersby.

Martin as his character Spider with his former co-star Eileen Derbyshire as Emily Bishop on Coronation Street

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The pair had clashed heads over his occupation – working as a detective constable. 

And unfortunately he decided to put his career first.

He added to the publication: ‘Life’s gone wrong between them. It’s just bad luck and circumstance.

‘What’s been happening previously in Spider’s life and what’s been happening previously in Toyah’s life have conspired to do them down at the end and it’s sad.

‘They’re both very committed people but, for now, it’s not workable.’

He added: ‘Martin did say he doesn’t believe it’s the end for Toyah and Spider.

‘I don’t think it’s the end. I don’t think it’s the end of the story. 

‘These two will always have a bit of love there… I think he’ll be desperately sad about the way things have ended.

‘At the end of the day, whatever version of Spider we’re talking about, Spider loves Toyah and so he’s bound to feel sad. 

‘They’re both going to feel sad. 

‘There’s something between those two… 

‘It’s a 25 year relationship, of course they’re going to feel gutted they couldn’t make it work this time.’

Casualty airs Saturdays on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.