No Corrie return for O'Brien, Ford

Former Coronation Street actresses Tina O'Brien and Kate Ford are not returning to the ITV soap for its 50th anniversary, Digital Spy can confirm.

The News of the World today claims that 26-year-old O'Brien, who played Sarah Grimshaw between 1999 and 2007, recently signed a new one-year deal with the Weatherfield soap.

The report also claims that producers have been in talks with Kate Ford, who played twisted Tracy Barlow, for a screen comeback to tie in with the show's 50th anniversary next year.

However, a spokeswoman for Coronation Street this morning told DS: "There are no plans for Tina or Kate to make their comebacks as Sarah and Tracy. We haven't even discussed the possibility of them returning for the 50th, so no offers have been made or contracts signed."

A source at the soap allegedly told the newspaper: "Tina is one of the first 'old faces' to sign up for Corrie's 50th year. Bosses have also had a meeting with Kate about her possible return."

O'Brien quit Coronation Street in April 2007 in order to pursue new roles. Sarah was seen leaving Manchester for a new life in Italy with her daughter Bethany.

In October 2008, the soap star welcomed the arrival of her first child Scarlett and has since been focusing on life as a stay-at-home mother.

Meanwhile, 32-year-old Ford made her last appearance as Tracy in early 2007. Her alter ego is currently in prison for the murder of Charlie Stubbs (Bill Ward).

Last week, it was announced that Ben Price is to take on the recast role of Sarah's brother Nick Tilsley.