It’s safe to say that 2020 was an eventful year for Coronation Street – not only did the soap celebrate its 60th anniversary in December, but it also saw a rare case of suspended production due to the coronavirus pandemic.

And while we’re hoping for a less disrupted year in 2021, one thing all fans will be relying on is lot’s more drama –with all sorts of additions to and departures from the cast likely to occur throughout the year.

Read on for everything you need to know about the comings, goings, and new characters set to cause trouble in the Coronation Street cast.

Joining

Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan)

The latest addition to the Bailey family, Ronnie is set to make his Corrie debut in February. Ed’s brother, the 51-year-old character has been described by the soap as a wayward uncle, “who can be slightly ruthless but irrepressibly charming.” He is a successful entrepreneur and investor who is looking to move to Weatherfield having resided in London until very recently – and the reasons for his relocation are unclear. It also appears that Ronnie will have his eye on romance, so expect a few storylines concerning his love life.

Producer Iain MacLeod has said of the new character: “Ronnie Bailey is a massive injection of chaos, energy and humour. He is a Jack the Lad that will tip their current cosy existence on its head and set many cats among many pigeons, up and down the street, much to Ed’s exasperation.

“In comes Ronnie with a hand grenade with the pin already out and we are all wondering when he is going to drop it and as you can predict on a show like ours he will drop it when it will do maximum damage. It’s an exciting time in the Bailey household.”

Harvey (Will Mellor)

Former Hollyoaks star, Will Mellor, is joining Coronation Street, but the role seems to be worlds apart from Jambo as drug lord Harvey is set to cause some problems for several Weatherfield residents – in particular Jane Danson’s Leanne Battersby.

“I’m honoured to be asked to come into Coronation Street, it’s such an iconic show and has been a huge part of my family life,” Will said about his casting. “When I started acting 32 years ago it was my mum’s dream for me to be in Corrie so I’m happy to finally be able to make it come true. It’s a Manchester institution and as a Manchester actor this is definitely a box ticked. Harvey is the first out and out baddie I’ve ever played. It’s a very different type of role for me so I’m looking forward to getting my teeth into the character and making some waves.”

Returning

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.

Rumours

Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan)

This may be wishful thinking on the part of Flanagan herself (and us if we are honest) but she has been quite vocal about her desire to return to the ITV soap- for the 60th-anniversary and beyond.

Whilst Flanagan being pregnant would rule out a full-time comeback at the moment, could it be that show bosses will be able to get her back for the celebration episodes- even if it is just fleetingly? Rosie is currently based in Japan, living it up as a game show host and we would love to see how that star turn has changed her. Even if she is not back soon, we would be surprised if a Rosie return was not on the cards in the future.

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.