Coronation Street villain Owen Armstrong confirmed to return in 2027 as part of new Gary Windass storyline after nearly 12 years away

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ITV has confirmed that Owen Armstrong is set to make a surprise return to the cobbles after nearly 12 years away.

The no-nonsense builder, who is played by Ian Puleston-Davies in the ITV soap, left Weatherfield in 2015 following the breakdown of his relationship with Anna Windass and collapse of his business, thanks in part to Pat Phelan.

In scenes set to air in January 2027, Owen announces he is moving back to Weatherfield to live with his daughter Izzy and his grandson Jake.

The character also wastes little time in making clear that he blames Gary for his family’s misfortune.

The announcement comes after Gary was sentenced to eight months in prison on the soap this week after getting caught up in the murder of Theo Silverton.

With Gary behind bars, could Owen’s upcoming appearance spell trouble for Gary’s business at the builder’s yard?

Commenting on his return, Puleston-Davies said: “I can’t wait to pick up where I left off 10 years ago! It’s brilliant to be back and to get stuck into a cracking storyline. Owen’s back and he’s still angry!”

Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks added: “We're thrilled that Ian is back, and Owen brings a ton of drama. As he joins forces with an unlikely alliance, he wreaks havoc on the Street, and his relationship with Gary is severely put to the test.

"Needless to say, there's never a dull moment when Owen's around.”

Read more:

• Coronation Street airs Sarah Platt trial outcome in early ITVX release
• Coronation Street's Jodie Ramsey star signs new one-year contract to keep playing villain
• Coronation Street star teases Debbie Webster's tragic final Christmas in Weatherfield as dementia story edges close to end
• Coronation Street favourite Vicky Myers reflects on Alison King's 20 years with soap amid huge night for Swarla fans

Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 or can be streamed from 7am on ITVX.

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Authors

Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.