This year is shaping up to be as eventful as the last for Coronation Street, with plenty of exciting additions and heartbreaking departures in store for the series, and hopefully no more coronavirus-related delays.

One former Weatherfield resident who will be walking the cobbles again after 22 years is Sharon Bentley, played by Tracie Bennet. Rita’s errant foster daughter was last seen in town back in 1999, when she attempted to sell the Kabin to start a new life with ex-fiance Ian. Luckily, Rita bought it back, but it did put a strain on their mother-daughter relationship.

Tracie’s return was actually scheduled for much earlier, but production delays caused by the pandemic meant we’ve had to wait this long for the comeback – and its undoubtedly dramatic effects on the rest of the Weatherfield lot.

There are also some new faces set to join the Coronation Street cast. Read on for everything you need to know about the comings, goings, and new characters set to make their mark on the cobbles.

Returning

Sharon Bentley (Tracie Bennet)

Rita Tanner’s foster daughter Sharon is back after 22 years. The blast from the past will certainly have dramatic repercussions for Weatherfield’s residents, especially since Rita and Shadon didn’t leave things on good terms when the latter left the cobbles.

Speaking of her return to the series, Tracie Bennet said: “I was first approached about coming back about 18 months ago, I was keen and excited to see what was in store but my work schedule and then the pandemic has meant that it has taken till now for it all to come together. I am so pleased that I can finally tell everyone as it has been hard trying to keep the secret.”

Producer Iain MacLeod added: “It’s extremely exciting to see someone of Tracie’s calibre revisit a role so rich in history and with such a complicated psychology. Sharon returns across some badly burned bridges to reconnect with Rita – but very quickly her presence becomes destabilising and extremely dangerous, in ways that I hope the viewers won’t see coming. The big question is: what has her life become since she was last on the Street? The answer to that question will drive a massive story for us, which runs into the summer and beyond.”

Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent)

Sally’s little girl is off travelling to accommodate Vincent’s real-life maternity leave (she gave birth to a son in October 2019). She’s expected to return later in 2021 but there’s no official word yet. Screen mum Sally Dynevor recently said she had hoped Soph would be back for her alter ego’s upcoming wedding to Tim Metcalfe and while that did not happen, we’re sure there will be reasons for her to come back this year.

Wondering about the other soaps? Read more of our cast guides 

• Hollyoaks cast: who is leaving, returning to and joining the soap?
• Emmerdale cast: who is leaving, returning to and joining the cast?
• EastEnders cast: who is leaving, returning to and joining the soap?
• Neighbours cast: Who is joining, returning to and leaving the soap?

Visit our dedicated Coronation Street page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.