Coronation Street fans were thrilled this week as PC Jess Haywood (Donnaleigh Bailey) made her return to the ITV soap after months away from the cobbles.
Jess first appeared on the programme in 2017 as the officer assigned to mentor fan favourite Craig Tinker (Colson Smith). She quickly won over the show's dedicated audience and has since been central to numerous major storylines. In 2025, she was heartbroken when Craig was brutally murdered after being attacked by evil thug Mick Michaelis (Joe Layton) while on duty.
Since that time, the officer has made sporadic appearances on the long-running programme. This week, however, Jess returned to screens after an extended absence, turning up at the Rovers Return.
Arrest at the Rovers Return
She promptly disclosed she was there to arrest Ollie Driscoll (Raphael Akuwudike) in connection with the recent assault on Jake Windass (Bobby Bradshaw). To the astonishment of Ollie's relatives, Jess accompanied Ollie to the police station before conducting his interview, reports the Daily Star.
Following Jess' comeback, one viewer posted on X: "Glad to see Jess, we haven't seen her in ages! Hopefully she sticks around longer this time." Another commented: "Oh there she is! Our Jess is back! Stunning queen."
Sharing similar sentiments, a third wrote: "Welcome back, Pc Jess Haywood; it's been a while." Someone else added: "Guess who's back, back again? Jess' back, tell a friend."
Donnaleigh Bailey's soap history
Before joining Corrie, Donnaleigh was already a familiar face on television. She has featured in programmes such as Casualty, Crossroads and Holby City. However, it is her role in rival BBC soap Doctors that she is perhaps best remembered for. Donnaleigh portrayed Michelle Corrigan in the medical drama, which was sadly cancelled in 2023 after more than 20 years on air.
Donnaleigh first appeared as Michelle on the soap in 2006, remaining with the Birmingham-based series until 2010. Her portrayal of Michelle earned her two British Soap Award nominations for Best Actress.
Prior to landing the part of Jess on Corrie, Donnaleigh had already set foot on the cobbles in a different capacity. In 2015, she donned the uniform of an unnamed nurse at the Rosamund Street Medical Centre, caring for Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) following a serious cut to his arm. She returned to the street a year later, taking on the role of PC Woodruff between April and December 2016. Following that appearance, the actress was invited back to play Jess Heywood, a character she has portrayed on and off ever since.
