Marc Baylis, 44, stormed onto the scene in 2014 when he was cast as Coronation Street villain Rob Donovan.
Rob was introduced as the troubled younger brother of Carla Connor and began his scheming on the cobbles from the get-go.
Shortly after getting engaged to Tracy Barlow, Rob bludgeoned Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan) to death to keep his crimes a secret and was later sentenced to life in prison for her murder.
After his imprisonment, he returned to the popular ITV soap a handful of times but made his last official appearance exactly five years ago today.
Following the anniversary of his departure, Daily Star have looked at where the Corrie star is now, from a possible soap comeback to a triumphant stage return.
Stripper and rival soap fame
(Image: WireImage)
Most fans will know Marc as one of Corrie’s biggest bad boys, however, his soap career actually began almost a decade prior.
In 2005, Marc appeared in an episode of Doctors and four years later stumbled upon Albert Square in a New Years Day episode of EastEnders.
Marc also dabbled in a film career as he starred in the comedy horror Strippers vs Werewolves alongside several famous faces, including Line of Duty’s Martin Compston, as well as EastEnders stars Billy Murray and Martin Kemp.
Tragic loss
(Image: ITV)
Marc was one of many Coronation Street stars who were devastated by the loss of Deidre Barlow actress Anne Kirkbride.
Marc worked closely with Anne on the soap after his character pinned Tina’s murder on Deirdre’s son, Peter Barlow.
In 2014, the actress was granted an extended three month absence by soap bosses after being left exhausted by months of emotional scenes in the wake of the explosive storyline.
Marc told the Mirror: “Annie just needs a little break, purely and simple.
“It’s been a very long year this year for everybody involved with the Barlow’s household.
“She needs to rest her bones a little bit because she’s one of our finest actresses in this country. To pull it off to that standard, you need to have a little rest.”
The following year, Anne passed away after a battle with breast cancer.
Marc took to social media and penned a heartfelt message to his co-star which read: “The memories will make me smile till the end of my days.. Sleep now beautiful Annie xxx.”
Soap return
(Image: ITV)
Marc left Coronation Street in 2014 after receiving a life sentence for the murder of Tina McIntyre.
The troubled character has returned to screens a handful of times since his imprisonment and was a part of the Who Shoved Ken? mystery that plagued Weatherfield in 2017.
Marc made his last appearance on the cobbles exactly five years ago, but has always remained open about his feelings towards a Corrie return.
Speaking about a potential comeback, Marc told Inside Soap: “Of course, I love playing Rob, he’s a great character.”
He continued: “I loved the relationship he had with people on the Street, but he’d have a lot of rebuilding to do – especially with Carla. But I’d absolutely be up for playing Rob again, when the time is right for everyone.”
Speaking about his return in 2017, Marc said he was “so glad of the chance to bring back Rob.”
The ITV star added: “I wasn’t sure whether it had always been on cards or not because you never know what might happen.
“But me and Corrie’s producer Kate Oates had a long chat – and once she explained her plans for Rob, going back to the show was a no-brainer.
“It’s added even more history to his relationship with Tracy. And since he gave himself up, it’s hopefully given him a bit of redemption too.”
Return to stage
(Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO)
The former Corrie villain is no stranger to taking the stage and has starred in several pantomime productions over the years.
In 2014, he took on the role of Prince Charming in Sleeping Beauty and two years later, earned rave reviews for his performance of Captain Hook in Peter Pan.
The actor is sticking with his villainous roots as his next project will see him take on the role of Hook in a swashbuckling tale called The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return Of Captain Hook.
(Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO)
Speaking about his return to stage, he said: “It’s always great fun playing Captain Hook as he has always been one of my favourite villains. I am very much looking forward to coming back to Mansfield this year. It’s going to be a great show”.
The 44-year-old will take to the stage at Mansfield’s Palace theatre later this year in November.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
