Coronation Street star Jane Danson has issued a demand for Peter Barlow to "come back already" as Chris Gascoyne shared a throwback clip on Instagram.
Chris Gascoyne is best known for playing Peter Barlow in the ITV soap for 23 years, on and off. Peter was born on screen alongside his twin sister Susan during an episode broadcast on 5 April 1965, with Chris being the seventh actor to take on the role.
Chris Gascoyne's history with the role
Chris first appeared as Peter in 2000, during the soap's 40th anniversary live episode. He left the role in 2003 before making a brief return in 2007, eventually coming back full-time in 2008.
In January 2014, it was announced that Chris would be leaving the soap again. However, he returned for two episodes the following year for the funeral of Deirdre Barlow, played by Anne Kirkbride. In 2016, it was revealed that Peter would be returning to Weatherfield, with Chris remaining in the role until 2023.
Final exit and fan reaction
That chapter came to an end in December 2023, when Chris made his final appearance as Peter. His character left Weatherfield after becoming involved in the death of serial killer Stephen Reid, which also brought his relationship with Carla Connor to an end.
Chris had confirmed his departure in July 2023, explaining that he wanted to pursue other projects and spend more time with his family. However, the soap has since indicated that the door remains open for a possible return.
Taking to his Instagram, Chris shared an old clip of a drunken Peter speaking to Deirdre and Tracy Barlow. Next to it he penned: "A clip from the old days at Corrie! Tracy's last line always makes me laugh".
Jane Danson, who plays Leanne Battersby, penned: "Come back already Peter". Leanne and Peter had a turbulent relationship on the long-running soap opera. They married during the show's 50th-anniversary live episode in December 2010, but divorced in 2012 following explosive infidelities and Peter's affair with Carla.
Though they split up permanently, their lives remained intertwined on the cobbles for years through Simon until Peter eventually departed the street.
What's next for Chris Gascoyne
Chris' Corrie throwback comes as he is expected to star in the upcoming daytime drama The Northumbria Mysteries. The series, led by Robson Green, follows Joe Ruby, an ex-convict and gambler who teams up with Oxford-educated DI Rose O'Connell to solve crimes in the region.
Followers are also hoping he'll return to Weatherfield one day, as @shamone11 wrote: "Peter Barlow has always been my favourite Corrie character ...would love to see you back". @emilythedancer_24 added: "You was my absolute Favourite in Corrie please make a comeback" and @katrinemoran_ agreed: "forever missing peter corrie's not been the same since".
