Jane Danson has revealed she is on a regular campaign to bring Peter Barlow back to Coronation Street, suggesting a return storyline could involve him turning up with a baby.
The actress, who plays Leanne Battersby, shared her hopes after Chris Gascoyne posted a throwback Corrie clip on Instagram. Danson replied with 'Come back already Peter', prompting agreement from fans and followers.
Campaign to bring Peter back
Speaking to Inside Soap, Danson admitted: 'I'm on a regular 'Bring Peter Barlow back to Corrie' campaign! I meet up with Chris quite often and we wonder what Peter is up to since he left Weatherfield!'
She joked about a possible storyline, saying: 'It'd be hilarious if Peter turns up with a baby, crashes at Leanne's and gets jealous of her and Idris – the life he could have had! He'd go off somewhere and leave Leanne holding the baby again, like he did with Simon!'
Danson also reflected on the characters' final split, saying: 'I remember feeling bereft when Leanne and Peter split up. Chris and I had worked together for such a long time.'
History of Peter and Leanne
Peter and Leanne became a couple in 2008, with Leanne supporting Peter through his alcoholism relapses and bonding with his son Simon, whose mother had died in a car crash.
Their relationship faced challenges when Leanne's first love Nick returned, leading to an affair, but Leanne chose to stay with Peter. After the tram crash on the show's 50th anniversary, Peter was gravely injured and the pair married in a hospital bedside ceremony.
Peter later had an affair with Carla, and he and Leanne divorced. Leanne and Carla engaged in a vicious feud, while Peter's subsequent affair with Leanne's sister Toyah tested family bonds. Peter eventually reunited with Carla and left Weatherfield.
Current storyline context
Leanne is currently involved with Idris Nazir, played by Junade Khan, whose shady business tactics and ruthless nature have brought out Leanne's own vicious streak. If Peter were to return, it remains to be seen how Idris would respond to a challenge for Leanne's affection.
