Owen Armstrong is making a shock return to Coronation Street after 11 years, and his arrival spells trouble for Gary Windass, who is currently facing prison time for helping Sarah Platt cover up Theo Silverton's murder.
Owen, played by Ian Puleston-Davies, is determined to help his daughter Izzy Armstrong and grandson Jake, and he makes it clear he blames Gary for his family's misfortune. He announces he is moving back to live with them, which could put Gary in an even more precarious position.
A dramatic return to Weatherfield
Ian Puleston-Davies will be back on screen in January, with filming for Owen's dramatic return starting next week. The actor last appeared as Owen in April 2015, when he left Weatherfield after his relationship with Anna Windass broke down and his business collapsed, partly due to Pat Phelan. He went to Portugal before settling in Scotland.
Commenting on his return, Ian said: "I can't wait to pick up where I left off 10 years ago! It's brilliant to be back and to get stuck into a cracking storyline. Owen's back and he's still angry!"
Owen's history with the Windasses
Owen was first introduced in 2010 as a builder who bought the Builder's Yard in Victoria Street for his company Owen Armstrong Construction, employing Jason Grimshaw and later Gary. In 2011, he started a relationship with Anna and became stepdad to her adopted daughter Faye Windass.
Their happiness was short-lived when, in 2013, Owen fronted a project for bankrupt builder Pat Phelan, putting down £80,000. After Gary attacked Phelan with a plank of wood, Phelan began blackmailing Owen, extorting his investment and having sex with Anna before releasing him from his contract. The ordeal left Owen financially ruined, forcing him to sell the yard and file for bankruptcy.
What Owen's return means for Gary
Owen and Anna split for good a year later over Owen's reaction to Faye having a baby at 13. Feeling unable to stay in Weatherfield, Owen accepted work in Aberdeen. Since leaving the show, Ian Puleston-Davies has starred in high-profile dramas, directed feature films, and continued his writing career.
Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks said: "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."
Coronation Street airs weeknights on ITV1 at 8.30pm and is available to stream from 7am on ITVX.
