Coronation Street is bringing a familiar actor back to Weatherfield more than a decade after his previous stint — but viewers should not expect the same character.
Carl Rice, who appeared on the ITV soap in 2015 as Ian Rigby, is returning as a new character named Jonsey. The casting creates an unusual bit of soap history, with the actor re-entering the cobbles in a completely different identity.
Carl Rice previously played Ian Rigby
Rice’s original character was connected to Rob Donovan’s prison storyline. Ian was portrayed as one of Rob’s associates behind bars before disappearing from the show by the end of 2015.
More than 10 years later, Rice is now expected to surface as Jonsey. Early details suggest the character may become connected to a storyline involving Tyrone Dobbs, his father Ross and a local boxing club.
A new character amid a darker storyline
The plot is expected to explore themes around masculinity as Ross increasingly pushes Tyrone and young Dorin toward the boxing environment. Jonsey’s exact role in that tension remains under wraps, giving viewers another reason to watch how the story develops.
Rice has worked across British television and film outside the cobbles, with credits including Brookside, Trollied, Brassic and Cruella.
His return arrives during a busy period of casting news for Coronation Street. Kelli Hollis is also heading back as Paula, promising more trouble after her earlier appearances.
Soap actors occasionally return in new roles years after an earlier character has vanished, but Rice’s comeback is likely to test longtime fans’ memories. This time, Ian Rigby is staying in the past — and Jonsey is the name to watch.