Coronation Street has provided a significant update on Cilla Battersby, nearly two decades after her initial departure.
Cilla (Wendi Peters) first appeared in 2003, arriving on the cobbles as the mother of Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) and Chesney (Sam Aston). She quickly became a fan favourite.
The outspoken factory worker was involved in numerous major storylines during her time on the show. From a cancer diagnosis to her romance with Les Battersby (Bruce Jones), her stint in Weatherfield was anything but dull.
However, in 2007, soap enthusiasts were left disappointed when Cilla bid farewell to the cobbles, leaving her children behind to enjoy the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas.
A year later, Wendi made a brief appearance as Cilla in the soap spin-off Coronation Street: Out Of Africa. And in 2014, the character returned for a short period - but she has been absent from Weatherfield ever since, reports the Daily Star.
Now, Coronation Street spoilers for the upcoming week have revealed a major update on Cilla, but it's not positive news.
As viewers will know, Fiz has been caring for a wheelchair-bound Tyrone (Alan Halsall) following his accident last month. Stressed, Fiz has been finding it difficult in recent episodes.
In Monday's episode (24 November), Fiz informs Tyrone (Alan Halsall) that Cilla needs to undergo an operation and there's no one available to care for her. Tyrone insists she must go and reassures her that he can manage for a few days.
However, later in the week, Chesney is surprised to find Fiz at a hotel reception, questioning why she isn't at Cilla's. But what has happened to Cilla?
Since actress Wendi's departure in 2007, she reached the final of Celebrity Masterchef in 2009, before embarking on UK theatre tours in productions including Grumpy Old Women Live 2, White Christmas, Crime Stories and Call Me Vicky.
Beyond that, she has featured in television programmes such as Midsomer Murders and Flockstars. In 2022, she secured a part on the BBC's rival soap Doctors, portraying Dr Nina Bulsara, before her exit in 2024.
Back in 2020, Wendi hinted at a potential Corrie comeback during the Guide Dogs' virtual tea party.
She said: "If a lovely storyline came up and I popped back in for a little while, it'd be nice. But I'm so busy work-wise. It would be quite fun now they've got quadruplets to have the mother from hell to look after them."