Ryan Thomas has made a heartfelt return to ITV's iconic soap opera, Coronation Street, marking an emotional reunion with the cast and crew after nearly a decade away. On March 21, 2025, he shared the touching details of his experience during a guest appearance on the daytime show This Morning.
Ryan, who is reprising his role as Jason Grimshaw, expressed the significance of stepping back onto the cobblestones of Weatherfield once again. His return coincides with the departure storyline of Sue Cleaver, who has portrayed Eileen Grimshaw for 25 years and is set to exit the show later in the year. Reflecting on his first day back, Ryan noted, "For the first time in almost 10 years, I stepped back on those cobbles... It was a real moment. As they opened the gates, the security man said to me, 'Welcome home,' and I nearly started crying."
Having first joined Coronation Street at the age of 16, Ryan emphasized that the show holds a special place in his heart, stating, "I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for that show. It's home, it was so lovely." His return has been met with warmth by the production team and former colleagues, many of whom he had not seen since his departure in 2016.
On his journey back to the set on March 20, Ryan recounted the nostalgic memories flooding back as he interacted with familiar faces, expressing excitement about resuming his character's storyline. "The people is what I missed and I get to see all the same makeup artists, the same crew, cast, and it's home. It was so lovely. I've got a few more days next week and I'm looking forward to it," he shared.
Ryan's return comes at a pivotal time, as Eileen Grimshaw's character is set to receive a heartfelt send-off. Sue Cleaver will leave the show after her extensive tenure, revealing her desire to explore new opportunities now that she is 61. She stated, "I'm leaving now - I'm 61 and this is what my new book is all about. I think we get to an age where society wants us just to shuffle off quietly and I really want to encourage other women that we have so much more to give." In a light-hearted jab, Ryan quipped, "When mother says you've got to do something, you do it!" making it clear that he was honored to be part of her exit storyline.
While the world of television can often be tumultuous, Ryan's personal life has been relatively stable. Now 40 years old, he has built a loving family with his fiancée, reality star Lucy Mecklenburgh. Together, they share two children, Roman and Lilah. Ryan also has a daughter, Scarlett, with his former partner, actress Tina O'Brien, who depicted Sarah Platt on the show. Their relationship was not without its challenges; Tina has openly discussed their rocky communication when transitioning to parenthood.
Ryan's return to the small screen coincides with the premiere of his new game show, 99 to Beat, which began airing on March 22, 2025. Hosted alongside his brother Adam Thomas, the show features 100 contestants in a variety of whimsical challenges, highlighting their motto: "don't come last!" This venture represents a significant milestone, as both brothers have long dreamed of hosting a show together.
In an emotional tribute to his family, Ryan expressed how grateful he was for his fiancée's support during this busy period of his life. The triumph follows a grand 40th birthday celebration in Portugal, where he thanked Lucy for making his milestone unforgettable. "You made my 40th unforgettable. Love you my angel," he wrote on social media.
Ryan’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable; not only did he grab headlines as the 2018 winner of Celebrity Big Brother, but he also showcased his ice-skating talents by winning Dancing On Ice in 2024 alongside professional skater Amani Fancy. This mix of talent is a testament to his versatility as an entertainer.
As Ryan Thomas steps back into his role on Coronation Street, he leaves audiences eager to see how his and Sue's storylines will unfold, aware that this beloved character’s return promises to be a memorable chapter in the show's rich history.
