Coronation Street has recast a major character and announced two new arrivals in a huge shake-up coming to screens in just days.

The long-standing ITV soap will see character James Bailey return three years after his departure from the cobbles back in 2022. 

James was a footballer and was originally played by Nathan Graham, 34, though Jason Callender, 35, will now be taking over the role. 

In scenes set to to air on March 17, the athlete will come back to Weatherfield to visit his family after living in America with his partner Danny. 

‘James is determined, whatever he puts his mind to he absolutely goes for it,’ Jason said. 

‘He’s a little brother so expect little brother pranks, but more than anything he loves his family and he really wants to be a dad.’

Coronation Street has recast a major character and announced two new arrivals in a huge shake-up coming to screens in just days

The long-standing ITV soap will see character James Bailey, previously played by Nathan Graham (right), return three years since his departure from the cobbles back in 2022

In scenes set to to air on March 17, the athlete will come back to Weatherfield to visit his family after living in America with his partner Danny

Coronation Street will also see two other additions to the soap – Kevin Webster’s (Michael Le Vell) younger half-brother Carl and Theo Silverton. 

Downton Abbey star Jonathan Howard, 38, will take on the role of Carl and will make his debut appearance on April 11.

Carl’s first scenes will see him argue with Abi Webster, played by Sally Carman, with neither realising Abi is married to Carl’s brother at first.

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Speaking about his new character, Jonathan commented: ‘He’s maybe a little bit selfish, especially between his trousers sometimes!’

However, Carl’s entrance comes with some problems and the star explained: ‘He comes into Weatherfield to ostensibly be with his brother because he’s found out he’s got cancer.

‘But then we’ll discover Carl’s got some money issues back in Germany where he’s been living.’ 

Newcomer Theo Silverton will be played by another Downton Abbey actor James Cartwright, 40.

He joins the cobblers as a scaffolder and quickly finds himself in a conflict with George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley) and Julie Shuttleworth (Katy Cavanagh).

Luckily, Todd Grimshaw, played by Gareth Pierce, helps him salvage the relationships and the two appear to share a connection.

James was a footballer and was originally played by Nathan Graham, though Jason Callender, pictured, will now be taking over the role

Downton Abbey star Jonathan Howard, pictured, will take on the role of Carl and will make his debut appearance on April 11

Newcomer Theo Silverton will be played by another Downton Abbey actor James Cartwright, pictured

‘I think Theo is a good guy, he comes in with the best of intentions, as most people do, but he may upset some people with his behaviour,’ James said of his character.

The actor shared he was ‘very excited’ about the new role and shared, ‘a lot of my memories growing up as a young boy were settling down with my gran after tea, she’d make me a crumpet and we’d sit there and watch Corrie’.

He added: ‘I feel like it’s a great honour to be a part of something that’s brought joy to people for so long.’

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.