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.
