Coronation Street has announced the return of Owen Armstrong, who will reappear on the cobbles almost eleven years after leaving Weatherfield. His comeback coincides with Gary Windass' jail sentence, and Owen is less than impressed with the actions of his daughter's former partner.
Determined to help Izzy and grandson Jake, Owen makes it very clear he blames Gary for his family's misfortune and announces he is moving back to live with them. Actor Ian Puleston-Davies will be back on screen in January, and he starts filming Owen's dramatic return next week.
Owen's Return and Gary's Prison Sentence
Gary was taken to his cell at Highfield Prison after being sentenced to eight months for perverting the course of justice. The sentence follows his help in covering up Theo's murder, while Sarah Platt was acquitted on the grounds of self-defence. Gary could be facing months behind bars, but that might feel like the safest place to be when he discovers who is back in town.
Owen was last seen in Weatherfield in April 2015 when he announced he was leaving, after his relationship with Anna Windass broke down and his business collapsed thanks in part to Pat Phelan. He went to Portugal before settling in Scotland.
Ian Puleston-Davies on His Return
Since leaving Coronation Street, Ian Puleston-Davies has starred in a number of high profile dramas, directed feature films and continued with his successful writing career. Commenting on his return, he said: "I can't wait to pick up where I left off ten years ago! It's brilliant to be back and to get stuck into a cracking storyline. Owen's back and he's still angry!"
Coronation Street Producer Kate Brooks welcomed Ian back, saying: "We're thrilled that Ian is back, and Owen brings a ton of drama. As he joins forces with an unlikely alliance, he wreaks havoc on the Street, and his relationship with Gary is severely put to the test. Needless to say, there's never a dull moment when Owen's around."
Dramatic Scenes on the Cobbles
Meanwhile, a furious Maria (Samia Longchambon) took matters into her own hands in a dramatic Bistro showdown, shoving a Manchester tart into Sarah's face. Coronation Street airs weekdays at 8.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
