Coronation Street star Faye Brookes has ignited speculation about a potential return to the ITV soap after sharing a cryptic social media post. The 38-year-old actress, best known for playing Kate Connor from 2015 to 2019, took to Instagram on Thursday morning to announce that she is starting a new job but cannot yet reveal details.
Mysterious New Role
In a video posted to her followers, Brookes said: "I am starting a new job on Monday. I am doing that really annoying thing where I cannot talk about it yet, but I want to share that I am going into another job. I am super excited. It is a role I did not anticipate, which means I am even more excited and scared at the same time."
She described the opportunity as "a whole new chapter" and confirmed she would be based in London until July. The actress also mentioned having "frantic talks" with her agent and reviewing material for the upcoming project.
Fans React
Brookes' comments prompted a flurry of reactions from fans, many of whom expressed hope that she would reprise her role as Kate Connor. One follower pleaded: "Faye come back to Corrie street!" while another asked: "Is it EastEnders, Faye?" On Reddit, a fan wrote: "Is Kate Connor coming back? I would personally love to see Kate back. Carla needs a family member amid all the chaos of Swain and Betsy, and I would love to know how she is doing in the years since Rana died."
The actress did little to dampen the speculation, noting in a recent interview with The Express that the door remains open for a return. "I think that is a really lovely thing to have them want me to come back to Coronation Street, because I [Kate] did not die. I am still alive and travelling, and those doors left open, and also that is an opportunity to be had in itself," she said.
Brookes' Career Since Leaving Corrie
Since departing Weatherfield, Brookes has built an impressive stage career, starring in productions such as Legally Blonde and Shrek: The Musical. Most recently, she completed a run in the play Double Double alongside former Coronation Street co-star Daniel Brocklebank, who played Billy Mayhew until his character was killed off earlier this year.
Brookes also appeared on Dancing on Ice and has taken on various theatre roles, demonstrating her versatility as a performer. In her Instagram update, she emphasised her gratitude for the opportunities: "I am taking these very quiet moments like little gifts and blessings. It is crazy but I am truly grateful because all you want to be is booked and blessed."
What's Next?
While Brookes has not confirmed whether her new job is a return to Coronation Street, she teased that she will be visiting Manchester—where the soap is filmed—in the coming days, though she quickly clarified it was to see her parents. She concluded her post with: "It is all happening, hence why I am sitting in these calm moments. Have a fabulous weekend and watch this space. All will be revealed!"
Whether or not she returns to the cobbles, Brookes' loyal fanbase remains eager to support her next move, whatever it may be.
