He was the leading man on the cobbles for over 15 years, retiring from his role nine years ago.

Now Ryan Thomas, 40, is confirmed to be returning to Coronation Street after getting the call up from Sue Cleaver herself.

The Corrie legend, who portrayed Jason Grimshaw in the hit ITV soap from 2000 until 2016, is to make a limited return to allow his on-screen mum Sue Cleaver a perfect send off to character Eileen.

Confirming to Mail Online last night, he said: ‘There have been some rumours going around.

‘I got the call from Sue Cleaver asking if I wanted to come back for her exit storyline.

‘That’s where my career started and I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for Coronation Street.

He was the leading man on the cobbles for over 15 years, retiring from his role nine years ago

Now Ryan Thomas, pictured left, is confirmed to be returning to Coronation Street after getting the call up from Sue Cleaver, right, herself

The Corrie legend, who portrayed Jason Grimshaw in the hit ITV soap from 2000 until 2016, is to make a limited return to allow his on-screen mum Sue Cleaver a perfect send off to character Eileen 

‘And that place will always have my respect and loyalty.

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‘I am very loyal to where I came from. They taught me everything I know.

‘I’m very excited. The rumours are true.’

After leaving the hit soap in 2016, the actor made appearances in Neighbours and won Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.

And last year he took part in ITV’s Dancing on Ice and was crowned champion.

Acting runs in Ryan’s family as his daughter Scarlett stars in the news series of Waterloo Road alongside his brother Adam, who has also starred in Emmerdale.

Not only returning to the soap, him and brother Adam, 36, are confirmed to present new ITV game show 99 To Beat.

Set to air in the coming weeks, the eight part series sees 100 contestants competing in a series of games.

After leaving the hit soap in 2016, the actor made appearances in Neighbours and won Celebrity Big Brother in 2018

And last year he took part in ITV’s Dancing on Ice and was crowned champion, pictured on the show

Each contestant in the show will take part in task and strive to avoid elimination until one star is left standing.

Ryan revealed in 2021 that he had quit acting after a slew of failed auditions and being trolled for his Neighbours stint.

The TV star admitted he ‘lost the bug’ for performing after struggling to land roles, just days after revealing he’d been working as a delivery driver for his brother Adam’s restaurant.

Ryan added that he found it ‘really hard’ being criticised for his performances and has no intention to act again, instead focusing on other TV projects with his brothers Scott and Adam.

Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.