Chris Gascoyne, known for playing Peter Barlow on Coronation Street, has sparked a wave of fan support after sharing a nostalgic clip from his time on the show. In the comments, his former co-star Jane Danson, who plays Leanne Battersby, made a simple plea: 'Come back already Peter'.
Throwback clip sparks fan reaction
Taking to Instagram, Chris embraced the #throwbackthursday trend and shared a clip from his Coronation Street days. The footage shows his character, following a relapse in his battle with alcoholism, going head to head with his step mum and sister, Deirdre and Tracy Barlow, played by Anne Kirkbride and Kate Ford.
He captioned the reel: 'A clip from the old days at Corrie! Tracy’s last line always makes me laugh'.
Fans were quick to agree with Jane's comment. @andielcfcsutton said: 'Agreed!', @dawsonstevie wrote: 'Yes!' and @dreamyfleur_ added: 'He can be with Leanne again'. @jen_shaw88 said: 'Yes! We need our Peter back!' while @ox.sammy.ox agreed: 'peter and leanne again! bring it back!'.
Fans call for Peter's return
Other comments echoed the sentiment. @shamone11 said: 'Peter Barlow has always been my favourite Corrie character…would love to see you back', while @emily_thedancer concurred: 'You was my absolute favourite in Corrie please make a comeback'. @katrinemoran agreed: 'forever missing peter. corrie’s not been the same since', and @yurty_aherne was a little suspicious: 'Is this a tease?'.
Peter's exit from the street
Peter left Coronation Street in 2023. His exit storyline began as he struggled in the aftermath of killing serial killer Stephen Reid, played by Todd Boyce, after Stephen took Jenny Connor, played by Sally Ann Matthews, hostage. Peter's mental health suffered, and his lifelong battle with alcoholism resurfaced.
Attempting to reinforce his sobriety, Peter met the mother of the man who had donated his liver, who urged him not to waste his second chance at life. Realising his relationship with Carla was reaching a conclusion and feeling trapped in Weatherfield, his time on the street was clearly winding down.
In a Christmas episode, Carla realised she had to set Peter free and bought him a one-way ticket to Spain, reasoning that she had been watching him fade away while stuck on the street. The pair shared an emotional goodbye on Boxing Day, and Peter took the tram out of Manchester to start a new life.
Upon his exit, Chris said: 'The thing that upset me though was walking away from the people I work with and I don’t just mean the actors. I’ve known all these people for nearly half my life.' He added: 'I’ve grown up with so many people there but I need a rest and to look to do something different, I’m not getting any younger.'
