Coronation Street explains major Jack P Shepherd change amid show return

David Platt returned to Coronation Street today after some time away from Weatherfield, and the soap took the time to explain a big change that actor Jack P Shepherd underwent during his absence.

The star went on paternity leave after his other half Hanni Treweek gave birth to their daughter Constance in the summer, and during that time he decided to get a hair transplant.

In today's episode, available on ITVX and YouTube now and airing on ITV1 later today, David turned up on the cobbles with a buzz cut rather than his usual slightly longer hairdo – and it didn't go unnoticed by other characters.

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Shona asked what prompted David to shave his head and, in typical David fashion, he dryly replied that he had lice.

Knowing how clean Gail likes to keep everything, Shona didn't believe him for a second. The character then admitted he'd changed his hair style simply because he felt like it.

David is back on the street just in time for a new Platt family drama to erupt, as Kit Connor slept with Bethany shortly after breaking up with her mum Sarah.

And, unfortunately, that little secret has been discovered by Jodie Ramsey, who is not only a major wrong 'un, but Kit also told her that he didn't want to follow up their date with anything more – so she's reeling.

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It'll be another thing for Kit to deal with, as he was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

Kit shared the news with Todd Grimshaw earlier in the week, and Todd actor Gareth Pierce exclusively told Digital Spy that the two could end up forming a strong bond going forward.

"[Todd] was the first confidante for Kit this week, and I think that could be a really lovely friendship, actually," the actor said. "It's always nice when you get to work with actors you don't work with loads, and also characters."

Coronation Street airs on weeknights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.

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