Coronation Street fans were watching their screens in surprise as a 'missing' character made a sudden return to the ITV soap. Simon Barlow made a reappearance as fans were treated to their first trip to the cobbles this week due to scheduling changes around the World Cup.
The hour-long episode saw Harvey Gaskell return as he came face to face with 11-year-old Sam Blakeman. The heartbroken youngster had been secretly writing letters to the jailed drug lord as he wanted answers over the death of his mum, Natasha, who Harvey gunned down and killed in a case of mistaken identity.
Sam's dad Nick Tilsley discovered what Sam was up to after partner Leanne Battersby paid him a visit in prison after he sent them both visiting orders. Nick was, obviously, horrified by his son's actions and demanded he not write to Harvey anymore. He defied his dad's orders and told the shocked Bistro manager that he wanted to go and speak to Harvey in person.
READ MORE: BBC Strictly fans make the same point as Will Mellor returns to ITV Corrie
During the episode, Corrie fans watched as Harvey and Sam got off to a bad start as the baddie, played by Will Mellor, snapped at Sam, played by Jude Riordan. But the schoolboy didn't let it phase him and he persisted with his questions until Harvey admitted that he had been through tragedy himself when he lost his own mother to cancer when he was 14.
And the interrogation from Sam, who was joined on the visit by his dad Nick, eventually became too much for Harvey and he demanded to return to his cell. And at the end of the episode he was seen trashing his cell in frustration as he looked at the piece of paper from Sam.
However, fans were also left surprised earlier in the episode when Simon returned home and gave his thoughts on Sam visiting Harvey in prison. As fans will remember, the teen was befriended into Harvey's gang by Jacob Hay and as he got trapped in the murky world, it was Leanne who opted to work for Harvey in order to inform the police of what he was doing.
This is also why Harvey was gunning for Leanne last Halloween and thinking he had tracked her down to the flat, he actually shot Natasha who was wearing the same Morticia Addams costume at Sam's request.
"This is a stupid idea," Simon ranted at Nick and Leanne. "You know what Harvey's like, he could say anything. Sam could end up totally traumatized." As Nick argued that while they're not a fan either but it was a risk they needed to take, Simon raged: "Why? You two are the grown-ups here, right? It's not Sam's call, it's yours."
But his pleas fell on deaf ears as he told them: "You should be protecting him," before storming out. Simon's appearance, however, left Corrie fans flocking to Twitter to comment on his return after what seemed like a long time away.
@JuliaEBrett tweeted: "Where’s Simon been all these months and how big is that flat. It seems to have gone from 2 bedrooms to 3 and maybe even 4 with Toyah #Corrie." @Greg_Phillips_ wrote: "They’ve unlocked the Simon cupboard after months. #corrie." @liamjmellor80 wrote: "Where’s Simon suddenly appeared from? He’s not been in it for ages. #Corrie."
@ruth_clark asked: "#Corrie Where has Simon suddenly appeared from?" @LisaBro21177876 commented: "Not seen Simon in ages #Corrie." @Willswhinge sarcastically added: "Simon's back, another smiley face, how I've missed it. #corrie."
READ NEXT:
- Former ITV Corrie star's glam look gets two word response from on-screen daughter Millie Gibson as she looks so different at charity ball
- ITV Coronation Street's Tina O'Brien 'in love' with co-star Sair Khan as she stuns in Barbie pink
- ITV Coronation Street spoilers with World Cup schedule shake-up as Summer suffers tragic miscarriage
- ITV Coronation Street stars 'couldn't be prouder' as Millie Gibson announces first major role on Doctor Who since soap exit
- ITV Coronation Street star Jack James Ryan shares link to new cast member who'll play his dad
