Coronation Street fans are convinced that Cilla Battersby is set to return to the cobbles after 23 years to take down Ross Wilkes, who has caused chaos for the Dobbs family.
Ross (Ian Burfield) made his debut on the cobbles earlier this year when it emerged he was Tyrone Dobbs' (Alan Halsall) abusive biological father, and that he had paid Cassie (Claire Sweeney) for sex when she was 15 years old, resulting in her pregnancy with Tyrone.
Since arriving on the street, Ross has wreaked havoc, including successfully driving a wedge between Cassie and her family. Left with no options, she chose to depart Weatherfield and accept employment on a cruise ship.
Yet after Ross drove Cassie to the railway station, viewers witnessed him racing off with her confined in the vehicle, leaving her fate and location a mystery.
Ross's destructive behaviour continues
Ross has also directed his destructive behaviour towards grandson Dorin in an attempt to manipulate him. In Tuesday's episode (October 20), Ross was displeased upon discovering granddaughter Ruby (Billie Naylor) had started boxing.
The sexist patriarch objected to Ruby's new pursuit and convinced Tyrone to make her quit. Furthermore, throughout all the turmoil, Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) has begun to harbour doubts about Ross.
Spoilers for the coming episodes reveal that Fiz clashes with Ross after Tyrone informs her that Ross seized his mobile phone. An incensed Fiz challenges Ross and alleges he deliberately ruined the family film evening.
Fans call for Cilla's comeback
However, with Ross poised to stir up further trouble, fans believe a former cobbles resident might return to deal with him. On a Coronation Street Facebook Fan Page, viewers have been speculating about Cilla Battersby's (Wendi Peters) potential comeback.
One viewer commented: "Bring Back Cilla. Corie (sic) was at its best with a bit humour!" Another agreed: "She might be back to sort that Ross out." A third added: "Good idea, he's vile and Cilla wouldn't stand for him for sure."
Cilla (Wendi Peters) is Fiz and Chesney's (Sam Aston) mother, and she first arrived on the famous cobbles in 2003. Initially introduced as Les Battersby's (Bruce Jones) romantic interest, Cilla quickly won over audiences.
Cilla's history on the cobbles
She featured in numerous unforgettable storylines, including the legendary moment when Cilla fell through their ceiling after dog Schmeichel invaded their bath.
However, in 2007, fans were devastated when Cilla departed the cobbles. Twelve months later, Wendi made a brief appearance as Cilla in the soap spin-off Coronation Street: Out Of Africa.
Then in 2014, the character made a short-lived return. Yet the outspoken soap icon has been missing from Weatherfield ever since.
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
