Coronation Street star Reece Dinsdale – who rose to fame as villain Joe McIntyre on the ITV cobbles – has announced his soap return, 12 years after his character was killed off.
Joe was the father of the late Tina McIntyre, played by Michelle Keegan, and was known for his romance with Gail Platt on the street while Tina was dating David.
He first entered Soapland in 2008, and became known as a Corrie villain after his mounting debts led to bouts of theft and rivalries with others in Weatherfield.
Along with a painkiller addiction, Joe eventually decided to fake his death in 2010 by disappearing in a canoe out to sea in order to get the insurance money, but ended up drowning instead, with his body later identified by Tina.
After leaving Corrie, Reece went on to play another reviled soap villain and took on the role of Paul Ashdale in Emmerdale: Vinny’s abusive father, who was eventually killed in a van crash involving Jimmy King.
(Image: ITV)
But now he’s back on the cobbles – albeit in a different role entirely.
As well as working as an actor, Reece also doubles as a director, and has even directed episodes of Emmerdale after his formal exit.
He is now working on Corrie in the same capacity, and took to Twitter to announce the news.
Reece wrote alongside a snap of the Rovers Return: “I start #Corrie for real tomorrow. Proper grown-up meeting with the script team over in Manchester. First time I’ve been back there in twelve years!
(Image: Twitter)
“Both nervous and excited. Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The star later posted a snap of his new office overlooking Salford Quays’ MediaCity, which included a swish conference room and stunning views of the river.
He cheekily captioned the snap: “Not sure how they expect me to work in this pokey little hovel!”
Fans soon rushed to support him, with one cheekily penning: “Just don’t get any ideas about taking a boat out there. Not again!”
(Image: Twitter)
Reece responded: “What could possibly go wrong!”
Another cheered him on: “Hope it goes well – totally sure it will obviously. Bet you wouldn’t have guessed that twelve years ago though eh?”
“All the best mate… you’re a top bloke who deserves it 100 per cent!” someone else gushed.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8pm on ITV.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
