Coronation Street has confirmed details of a new storyline that will see Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) embark on an affair with Weatherfield football legend Tommy Orpington (Matt Milburn).
Having featured in the soap multiple times over the years, Tommy - a hero to most of the men on the street - reappeared on Christmas Day, visiting Tracy's florist shop to secure a last-minute present for his mum.
Tommy is now retired from football and has his own decorating business, and when Tracy decides she wants her bedroom decorating, husband Steve (Simon Gregson) is unenthusiastic so she turns to Tommy to get the job done.
It's clear that Tommy and Tracy have an instant attraction and before too long, they lock lips and start "a steamy affair".
© ITV
"I was absolutely thrilled [to return] and over the moon, because it's something I've wanted for years," said Milburn.
"I've played Tommy intermittently since 2016 so to be told that I was going to be coming back and given something far more substantial, I was delighted.
"Tommy is the perfect character for me to play because I love football and he's a famous northern footballer. It's great to be back!"
Discussing Tommy's attraction to Tracy, he continued: "I think he likes her sparky nature, her quick retorts and her banter is very sharp. He likes being kept on his toes.
"She's not an easy target in many ways. I just think that they seem to have this chemistry between them that none of them see coming."
Coronation Street continues Monday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
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