Simon Gregson’s return to ‘Coronation Street’ was disrupted when his on-screen mum fell ill.
The soap star, who has played Steve McDonald on the ITV hit show since his debut in 1989, was set to revisit the cobbled streets after a five month break only to have two scenes cut because of Beverley Callard’s sickness.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Everyone was worried it would be a one-in, one-out situation and they’d have to send Bev off to Spain too."
The former Rovers Return landlord – who left the series after his last storyline saw him battle against depression and flee to Spain to care for brother Andy’s broken leg – was set to make his return at his wife Michelle’s (Kym Marsh) 40th birthday celebrations, wearing a sombrero and holding an inflatable donkey.
However, following Beverley’s illness bosses had to cut the scenes and feared she would have to quit Weatherfield in a similar exit to her character Liz McDonald’s son.
A source quipped: "It would have been unbelievable if Andy had broken his other leg."
The actor started filming his return on Monday (29.02.16) and his comeback is due to be broadcast this spring.
Simon Gregson’s disrupted Coronation Street return
