‘I’ve all the time wanted to return back!’ Coronation Street confirms actor Martin Hancock will return as tree hugging hippy Spider Nugent after 19-year absence
Coronation Street’s Spider Nugent will soon be returning to the soap after 19-years, ITV have confirmed.
The eco warrior – who appeared on the cobbles between 1997 and 2003 – was initially introduced because the nephew of legendary character Emily Bishop (Eileen Derbyshire).
And original actor Martin Hancock, 53, is thrilled to be returning to the ITV soap 25 years after making his debut.
Back again! Coronation Street’s Spider Nugent (Martin Hancock) will soon be returning to the soap after 19 years ITV have confirmed
He said: ‘Having the chance to walk back onto the cobbles is fabulous, I’m so excited to be seeing plenty of old friends and picking up what Spider has been as much as’.
Adding: ‘ I’ve all the time wanted to return back sooner or later and it just felt like that is the best time. I’m eternally grateful to Iain [executive producer Iain McLeod] for the chance.’
During his time on the soap, Spider – whose real name was Geoffrey David Nugent – struck up on on/off relationship with Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor) and the pair left the Street in 2000 for a recent life in London.
Drama ahead: Original actor Martin Hancock, 53, is thrilled to be returning to the ITV soap 25 years after making his debut (pictured in 2001)
The connection failed and the pair split up, with Spider moving to Peru and Toyah leaving for Liverpool only to maneuver back to Weatherfield to be together with her family back in 2016.
Meanwhile, Spider – who was last seen visiting Emily after she had been attacked by serial killer Richard Hillman in 2003 – carried out charity work in Peru and was joined by his aunt back in 2016 following actress Eileen Derbyshire’s decision to step back from the show.
Executive producer Ian teased that Spider’s return to the soap will function an ‘enthralling recent story’ for his former flame Toyah which could potentially ‘damage her life endlessly.’
Past love: During his time on the soap, Spider – whose real name was Geoffrey David Nugent – struck up on on/off relationship with Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor) and the pair left the Street in 2000 for a recent life in London (pictured together in 1998)
He said: ‘Martin is a superb actor and Spider is a personality with real heritage, and affection from fans. His return heralds an enthralling recent story for Toyah, who will likely be embroiled in a large number of guilt and secrecy when Spider arrives. Will he be her saviour or the thing that ruins her life endlessly?’
With Toyah currently preparing for her wedding to Imran (Charlie de Melo), a personality set to depart the cobbles this yr, resulting in speculation that her past love Spider could derail the large day.
Coronation Street shared a teaser video of the characters return on Friday on the soap’s official Twitter account.
Soap stars: Pictured on the show with L-R Emily Bishop (Eileen Derbyshire) Vera Duckworth (Liz Dawn) Ken Barlow (William Roach) and Toyah Battersby
After teasing the news with a promo of Martin walking across the Salford based-set, fans rushed to twitter to share their excitement for the character’s imminent return.
One soap viewer wrote: ‘That is the very best news I actually have heard for a while. I hope there will be a great storyline between Spider and Toyah?’.
While one other added: ‘Get in! Spider’s a legend!’.
And a 3rd commented: ‘That is essentially the most random but awesome return in years!’
Excited: After teasing the news with a promo of Martin walking across the Salford based-set, fans rushed to twitter to share their excitement for the character’s imminent return
Spider man: Pictured alongside fellow co-stars Tracy Shaw and Kevin Kennedy
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