EXCLUSIVE: Former Coronation Street star Shayne Ward fondly reflected on his time on the ITV soap
Former Coronation Street star Shayne Ward has teased a cobbles return after his character Aidan Connor’s death.
The 40-year-old actor and singer first arrived in Weatherfield as Aidan back in 2015, and was involved in several dramatic plots since then.
He was notably introduced as the son of Johnny Connor (Richard Hawley), half-brother of Carla (Alison King) and former owner of Underworld.
In 2018, Aidan secretly struggled with depression and suicidal tendencies, which led to him taking his own life later that year.
His death had a devastating effect on his loved ones, especially his partner Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley), who had recently given birth to their daughter.
Since leaving the soap, Shayne has gone on to appear on Strictly Come Dancing, Doctors and The Good Ship Murder, alongside his former Corrie co-star Catherine Tyldesley.
Speaking on the red carpet at the National Television Awards on Wednesday (September 10), Shayne discussed Catherine’s upcoming return to Weatherfield as the new landlady of the Rovers.
“I think it’s great, she’s a well-loved character as Eva. The public know her character, they love that character,” he said.
“I don’t think it’s airing yet, but I know she’s working on it. I’m not sure when it airs but I’m sure it’ll be the loveliest welcome for her.”
On his own cobbles legacy as Aidan, Shayne added: “I loved it. I was very honoured that I was trusted with that incredible suicide storyline for mental health for men. I’m really proud of it.”
The star also revealed that he misses being on the soap, and often thinks about being back in Weatherfield.
“There’s times when I’m thinking what I’d give to walk on those cobbles again, which I probably will do with my kids to show them what it feels like to walk on the cobbles, the famous ones,” he explained.
“But I had a great time, and I learnt from some of the best on there, so very lucky guy.”
Shayne attended the NTAs with his former Strictly co-stars this week, with the hit BBC programme winning the Best Talent Show award.
The actor was notably the seventh contestant to be eliminated from last year’s competition, alongside his professional partner Nancy Xu.
Coronation Street airs at 8pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on ITV1 and is available to stream from 7am on ITVX
If you were affected by the issues raised in this story, organisations which can offer help include Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393
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