Fan favourite Coronation Street character set for dramatic return in the new year

She left Weatherfield in June.

But now Nicola Thorp is reportedly set to return to Coronation Street as Pat Phelan's daughter, Nicola Rubinstein, in the new year. The character left the cobbles over the summer after her father's death, heading to Bristol with her baby son. Zack, for a fresh start. Radio Times report that she will be back in town in January, although we're not too sure everyone will be happy to see her. Zack was born after Nicola had a one-night-stand with Gary Windass, who cheated on his girlfriend, Sarah Platt, with her. Around the time of Nicola's exit earlier this summer, things seemed to be pretty good between the trio: Sarah had forgiven Gary; the tension was starting to ease up and they were all determined to make the co-parenting arrangement work. But Nicola's return in the new year will reportedly cause some problems for Gary and Sarah - although it's not clear why or how. The publication report that Nicola's return is only temporary - although considering her links to the street, there may be a possibility of a more permanent return in the future. A source told The Daily Star:

"Everyone is thrilled Nicola is coming back. She was always really popular on set and has so many friends in the cast. "Producers think it is the perfect time to bring her character back."