Jackie Dobbs, John Stape return to Corrie

Coronation Street characters Jackie Dobbs and John Stape are to reprise their Weatherfield roles later this year.

Margi Clarke, who originally appeared in the ITV soap for one year between 1998 and 1999, will return as Tyrone's (Alan Halsall) mum Jackie Dobbs.

A source for the Manchester-based soap told DS: "Margi's return is heavily penciled in but she's not signed her contract yet. We really do hope she does make a comeback as it ties in perfectly with the development of Tyrone and Molly.

"We also meet Molly's Auntie Pam at the same time, too. We have high hopes for Tyrone and Molly – we hope they'll be the new Jack and Vera."

Meanwhile, Graeme Hawley will make his comeback as secondary school teacher John Stape, last seen in Weatherfield begging Fiz for forgiveness following his sordid affair with pupil Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan).

The source added: "Graeme's returning, too, and there's a huge storyline coming up for him over the summer, so he'll be around for a while…"