Coronation Street fans appeared surprised as they tuned into the latest episode as a character returned 'like she's not been missing'. In the first trip to Weatherfield this week, viewers of the ITV soap saw Gary Windass worrying about his wife, Maria, after the struggles she has faced since becoming a councillor.
Looking for some advice, it was former partner Izzy Armstrong he turned to as the character made a sudden appearance in Roy's Rolls. It has been a long time since Izzy, played by Cherylee Houston, has been seen on-screen.
That's because the actress has had to spend a number of years shielding due to the coronavirus pandemic. Cherylee, who joined Corrie in 2010 and last made an appearance on the street in 2020 but appeared from her real-life home in 2021, was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos, a rare connective tissue disorder when she was 23.
Back in 2021, Cherylee, 47, appeared opposite her real-life partner Toby Hadoke who starred briefly as Fergus, a concerned neighbour of Izzy's. The storyline aimed to highlight the plight faced by millions of disabled people during the pandemic and the pressures they are under through trying to work remotely whilst shielding.
The couple used a corner of their home as a filming location and said they enjoyed having the luxury to rehearse and practice lines which they may not have got in the fast-paced working environment.
But after almost three years away from the Salford-based set, Cherylee was back and made her first on-screen appearance during Wednesday evening's episode (January 11). It comes after Corrie confirmed last week that Cherylee started filming again before Christmas and has now returned full-time
Izzy was briefly seen having a chat with Gary about having their son Jake stay with her for a few days. However, Izzy noticed Gary seemed "distracted" during her anecdote about Jake's pranks, to which he admitted to being worried about the "aggro" Maria has been facing on the council - from the deep fake videos to the latest recent bomb threat.
Upon seeing her on-sreen, @a___w89 tweeted: "Izzy just pops up like she’s not been missing for 3 years #corrie." @mikepriestley13 said: "Izzy is back!!! Long time no see #Corrie." @pam_debeauvoir commented: "Good gracious. Are my eyes deceiving me....is that really Izzy. It's been years . Welcome back Cherylee Houston #Corrie."
@roscoeleebarnes wrote: "Bloody hell, Izzy is finally back #Corrie." @AntMelia94 asked: "Is Izzy like a special guest character these days? The last I saw her she was getting bollocked over Zoom for making knickers at home during the pandemic #Corrie." @patfield replied: "I was stunned!! Even more so than hearing David say he’s learnt to respect max’s views!!? Wondering what Gary does for a living, and trying to look up pablo Escobar." @ConversationStr added: "Ah, Izzy’s back! Nice to see her! #corrie."
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