Coronation Street legend teases soap return five years after shock exit

CORONATION Street favourite Nigel Havers could walk the Cobbles once more – even though his character dropped dead five years ago.

However, the actor has enjoyed teasing fans that in the world of soaps, even the dead can make a spectacular comeback.

ITV

ITV

ITV

During a Good Morning Britain appearance this week, the 72-year-old actor dropped his strongest hint yet that Lewis Archer will return.

He told hosts Ed Balls and Ranvir Singh: “We always talk about Corrie. You never know I may come back!”

This isn’t the first time Nigel has told the show Lewis could return to wreak more of his conman havoc.

Just after he exited the soap in 2019, he suggested on Good Morning Britain that he might return – very plausibly – as Lewis’ twin brother, who lives in Australia.

He said at the time: “Of course, never ever say never, we’re mad to do that!”

If Lewis does return, there will likely be no shortage of drama that will follow.

The character – who is a conman, male escort and all round sleaze – first appeared in 2009.

He had an off-off relationship with Audrey, but broke her heart after stealing from Barlow’s Bookies and fleeing the country.

Lewis then returned in 2012 as a changed man, paying back the money he stole and reuniting with his love.

But they split up due to pressure from Audrey’s daughter Gail Platt and barmaid Gloria Price, who disapproved of their relationship.

Gail then began a secret affair with Lewis after he promised to whisk her away to Italy for a fresh start.

But their romantic dream was shattered when Lewis decided to go back to his old ways by stealing £40,000 from her account, forcing him to do a runner once more.

The boomerang baddie returned for a third time in 2018 and he concocted a plan to con Gail again

Even though his thieving fingers were never far away, Audrey fell head over heels again for him –  but suspicions were high that he was about to do away with her life savings once more.

Darkest soap storylines

Over the years the likes of EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to try outdo each other with their outlandish plots in a bid to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest that had fans in shock…

EastEnders: Tony grooming Whitney (2008-2009) – Tony King first appeared in Albert Square in 2008 as the boyfriend of Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer. But it was quickly revealed he was a paedophile who had been grooming vulnerable Whitney, Bianca’s adopted stepdaughter from a previous relationship, since she was 12. The shocking storyline attracted more than 200 complaints within a week of it beginning. Whitney waited until her 16th birthday to reveal the truth to a horrified Bianca, who called the police.

Emmerdale: Holly’s drug addiction and shock death (2010-2016) – In 2010, Holly Barton (played by Sophie Powles) became Emmerdale’s first teenage drug addict. The shocking storyline saw her taking cocaine on a night out before developing a deadly heroin habit. Parents John and Moira desperately tried to help get their daughter clean but when Holly returned in 2016, following a four-year absence, she quickly relapsed. Fans were left stunned and heartbroken when distraught Moira found Holly dead in her bed from a heroin overdose.

Hollyoaks: Luke’s rape (2000) – Actor Gary Lucy was just 17 when he took on this groundbreaking storyline, which saw his character Luke Morgan become soap’s first male rape victim. Luke had endured a long-running bullying campaign by football rival Mark Gibbs – who raped him after Luke stood up to him. Luke was left suicidal following the brutal attack, before opening up to his brother Adam. Gibbs was sentenced to eight years in prison. Gary won the Best Actor gong at the British Soap Awards in 2000 for his performance.

Coronation Street: Evil Richard Hillman (2001-2003) – Just a mere mention of ‘Richard Hillman’ is enough to send a shiver down the spines of soap fans. He is often ranked one of the most evil soap villains and it’s not hard to see why. The smooth-talking financial adviser bashed his ex-wife Patricia over the head with a shovel. In a bid to keep his mother-in-law Audrey quiet, he set fire to her house. And when Maxine caught him trying to murder Emily Bishop, he took a crowbar to her head. He made his exit from the cobbles in 2003 when he drove Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, and her family into the canal. They survived, but he didn’t.

Fate intervened this time, with Lewis dramatically dying from a heart attack in Audrey’s house while clutching an engagement ring.

By all accounts, Audrey had a lucky escape – but fans are beginning to wonder if Lewis will make a surprise appearance just as Gail departs from the soap at Christmas.

Actress Helen Worth, who has played Gail for an incredible 50 years, announced last month she was stepping back from the role.

Coronation Street is on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV