Coronation Street are set to introduce a familiar face – actor John Thomson – in the wake of Sean Wilson’s shock departure.

It had been expected that Sean, 59, who appeared as Martin Platt in the ITV soap from 1985 to 2005, would reprise his role to coincide with the exit of Helen Worth as his ex-wife Gail.

His character, the father of David (Jack P. Shepherd), last made a guest appearance in 2018.

It was announced last month that he was on set, and a video showed him holding a bundle of scripts ahead of filming.

Despite already recording a number of scenes, which were due to air in October, an ITV spokesperson confirmed at the weekend that Sean had ‘stepped down for personal reasons’.

Gail stares into Martin Platt’s eyes in Coronation Street

A source went on to tell The Sun that the actor may have been given the boot: ‘It has come as a complete and utter shock to everyone – and his ­sudden exit has rocked everyone involved with Corrie.

‘Sean was loving his time on the show, and he was very popular on set.

‘He had filmed scenes with loads of the cast, but then suddenly he was summoned to head office, and later it filtered out he wouldn’t be returning or his scenes airing, but no explanation offered.

‘Clearly it’s a major blow for bosses who must now find a new magical and happy ending for Helen – but they are confident they’ll pull it out of the bag, and give viewers something wonderful.’

Eileen kicks Jesse out of the Rovers

Jesse is a former flame of Eileen Grimshaw (Picture: ITV)
Eileen Grimshaw talks to Jesse Chadwick in her living room in Coronation Street

Jesse had a parrot named John (Picture: ITV)
The publication has now been told that Cold Feet and Fast Show actor John Thomson, 55, will be reprising his previous role as Jesse Chadwick to fill his shoes.

Jesse appeared in 58 episodes between 2008 and 2010, a former fling of Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver).

When he made a pass at her sister Julie Carp (Katy Cavanagh), he was kicked out.

Undoubtedly this means that the show is looking to reignite the feud between Eileen and Gail that has spanned over twenty years.

‘So many new departure storylines for Gail were mooted but they were set on a love interest one – which proved tricky as she buried five of her six ex-husbands. And the remaining living one, Martin, was obviously axed in real life’ another source said.

‘They wanted a recognisable name and plumped for John as his character was popular with viewers and a real blast from the past.’

‘Obviously his character, Jesse, had a doomed fling with Eileen, so they thought having him come back onto the cobbles and flirt with Eileen’s frenemy would be both funny and a fantastic final fling.

‘Of course it would also leave the door open for Gail’s return one day should she ever fancy a special cameo.’

It is also understood that Sean Wilson has consulted lawyers following his dismissal.

Coronation Street’s publicity office told Metro.co.uk: ‘We are making no further comment on any element of this story other than our initial statement that Sean stood down from filming for personal reasons.’