TWO Coronation Street legends CONFIRMED as making a surprise return to Weatherfield!

Next week's Coronation Street sees Norris Cole and Emily Bishop make a surprise comeback...

It has been confirmed that two very familiar faces will be returning to our screens on Wednesday next week (7.30pm, see our TV Guide for full listings) as Ken Barlow celebrates his 80th birthday in Coronation Street.

The Weatherfield legend will be marking a very special milestone, and had planned to celebrate with a trip to Italy with Claudia.

But things have been tough for the Barlow clan recently, with Sinead having been given the tragic news that she doesn't have long left to live as her cancer spreads.

Coronation Street, ITV, Sinead

Ken isn't in the mood for celebrating given Sinead's situation (Picture: ITV)

While it seems the trip abroad might be off the cards, the official website for Coronation Street has revealed there will still be plenty to celebrate...

"Claudia is understanding why Ken can't go to Venice and everyone tries to persuade him to have a party at home instead.

"But Ken feels this many be inappropriate given Sinead's situation, however Daniel manages to convince him otherwise."

Coronation Street, Claudia, Ken

Ken tells Claudia he can't go to Italy and leave Daniel and Sinead when they need him most (Picture: ITV)

And while everyone tries to get into the party mood despite the heartache they're all facing, Ken is pleased when some familiar faces make a comeback for his special day...

"Ken is thrilled to see Norris has made it to the party, and he's over the moon when Emily video calls him from Edinburgh."

MORE: Coronation Street: SIX Autumn storylines REVEALED 

But while Norris might be back on the cobbles to help Ken mark his 80th year, Emily is still away in Edinburgh and so does her congratulating over Skype.

However, the Coronation Street website has also revealed there is more bad news heading for the family...

Sinead and Daniel in Coronation Street

A party for Bertie ends in tears when Sinead reveals she only has weeks to live (Picture: ITV)

"Everyone throws a party for baby Bertie in the Rovers' back yard, but the celebrations are cut short when Sinead makes an announcement.

"Sinead fights back the tears as she breaks the news to her family and friends that she only has weeks to live. Back at the flat, Sinead tells Daniel how sorry she is that she has to leave him, but she knows Bertie will be in safe hands."

Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.