SOAP favourite Roy Cropper was diagnosed with angina during a recent trip to the cobbles.
And after undergoing a life-saving surgery, the Coronation Street stalwart is reunited with his late wife’s prized possession.
Roy Cropper’s wife Hayley died in 2014
He lost her beloved red raincoat
Evelyn tried to retrieve it for him
Throughout her long stint in the ITV cobbles, actress Julie Hesmondhalgh was never seen too far away from her character’s legendary red anorak.
But when Hayley Cropper took her own life and drew her last breath in Roy’s (David Neilson) arms, the café owner was left with all her possessions, including the coat which he has kept since her 2014 death.
Sadly, in late 2022, Roy was crushed to find out that his niece Nina Lucas (Mollie Gallagher) and Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove) had sent it away to a charity shop, failing to see it stashed in a box of old clothes.
Roy’s no-nonsense pal Evelyn Plummer (Maureen Lipman) went above and beyond to find it but her efforts were all in vain.
In scenes airing next week, however, Hayley returns from the dead through her anorak.
It all begins when Evelyn visits Roy in hospital following his operation, only to find Yasmeen Nazir (Shelley King) at his bedside once again.
Roy explains that her finding Hayley’s coat has rekindled their friendship as Evelyn bristles.
When Roy asks her if she’d mind keeping Freddie while he recuperates, the acid-tongued character makes out it’s a huge imposition.
How will Roy react to Evelyn’s behaviour?
The Manchester-based program appeared ready to explore Evelyn’s feelings for Roy and her growing jealousy of Yasmeen.
But many fans were shocked by reports stating actress Maureen Lipman will soon be leaving the long-running program.
The soap star confirmed her exit will be brief as she heads to the stage for several weeks.
Could her on-screen alter ego leave Weatherfield with unresolved feelings?
Could her love-hate relationship grow into something more serious?
Coronation Street airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8pm on ITV.
Evelyn is visibly hurt next week
Could she be jealous of Yasmeen?
