In a remarkable twist for one of Britain's longest-running television dramas, a former Coronation Street star has made a sensational return to the iconic cobbles, portraying a brand new character more than four decades after her original stint. Actress Eileen O'Brien, now stepping into the role of pensioner Joan Ripley, last graced Weatherfield in 1983 as Marjorie Proctor, a character embroiled in a steamy and controversial affair storyline.
A Blast from the Past: The 1983 Affair That Rocked Weatherfield
Back in 1983, Eileen O'Brien's character Marjorie Proctor became romantically involved with Len Fairclough, portrayed by Peter Adamson, a long-standing resident of the street who was married to Rita Fairclough, played by Barbara Knox. This illicit fling unfolded shortly before Len's tragic death, leaving Rita heartbroken and adding a layer of drama that captivated audiences at the time. The storyline remains a memorable chapter in the soap's rich history, highlighting the show's ability to weave complex emotional narratives.
Eileen O'Brien's New Role as Joan Ripley
Decades later, Eileen O'Brien has returned to the ITV soap, but this time as a completely different character named Joan Ripley. In her recent appearance on February 26, she featured alongside show regular George Shuttleworth, played by Tony Maudsley, at the undertakers. During their discussion, the scene took a dramatic turn when pensioner Joan passed out, leaving George in a panicked state. This incident comes amid existing allegations against George for scamming another elderly woman in a bid to be named in her will, adding tension to the plot.
Eileen O'Brien is no stranger to the world of soap operas, having built an impressive career across multiple British series. She played Gladys Charlton in Brookside from 1996 to 1997, and portrayed Edie Smith, the mother of Mary Smith, in EastEnders from 1987 to 1988. Additionally, she appeared in two distinct roles in Emmerdale in 2007 and 2013, showcasing her versatility and enduring presence in the genre.
Other Coronation Street Comebacks and Soap News
Eileen's return coincides with other notable comebacks on the ITV soap. Actor Jamie Cho, who appeared as Rich Pemberton, a solicitor with Fabian Croft, is set to reprise his role two years after his last on-screen appearance in May 2024. His character was part of an exit storyline for Sair Khan's Alya Nazir, who left for a job in Ireland while the actress was on maternity leave. Alya returned to the cobbles in November 2024, and now Rich is back for a short stint, with insiders hinting he wants something from Alya, potentially causing trouble for her and boyfriend Adam.
Jamie Cho has also gained attention for his role in Netflix's hit series Bridgerton, where he joined the cast as Lord Stotter in the second half of its fourth season. Meanwhile, Catherine Tyldesley returned to Coronation Street in October 2025, reprising her role as Eva Price, who became the new landlady of The Rovers Return alongside new partner Ben Driscoll, played by Aaron McCusker. Tyldesley, who also stars as Kate Woods in Channel 5's The Good Ship Murder, is reportedly due to fly to Malta this spring to shoot her departure from that show, with sources confirming that Corrie bosses have agreed to her temporary absence.
These developments underscore the dynamic nature of soap operas, where characters and actors often make surprising returns, keeping audiences engaged with fresh storylines and nostalgic callbacks. The blend of new roles and reprised characters highlights the enduring appeal of shows like Coronation Street, which continues to evolve while honoring its past.
