Thomson to make permanent Corrie return

Former Cold Feet actor John Thomson is to make a permanent return to Coronation Street following his brief debut last month, Digital Spy can confirm.

The 39-year-old comedian - who played Pete Gifford in the ITV comedy series - originally signed for a three-episode stint playing down-on-his-luck kids' entertainer Jesse Chadwick.

Jesse turned up at the Rovers for Steve McDonald's (Simon Gregson) daughter Amy's (Amber Chadwick) birthday party without the other half of his double act, who also happened to be his wife. When switchboard operator Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) offered to help out, there was an immediate spark between the pair.

On leaving Weatherfield, Jesse left Eileen with a red feather from her costume's headdress and vowed to return.

When he returns to the Street, Jesse will pick up where he left off with Eileen and become good friends with Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne).

Speaking in December, Thomson said: "Subject to other work, I'll be coming back again for a longer stint."

A spokesperson for the ITV soap this afternoon told DS: "We can confirm that John has signed for an initial six months and will return to filming in May. It's all-systems go to have Jesse back on screen from late June, early July."

> Click here to read our interview with John Thomson