Coronation Street brings back Simon Barlow after unexplained absence

Coronation Street spoilers follow.

Coronation Street has brought back Simon Barlow after an unexplained absence.

The character has been off screen for several weeks without any real reason, but suddenly cast member Alex Bain popped up again during Tuesday's (September 20) episode.

It wasn't the most eventful appearance, but Simon was hanging out with Aaron Sandford (James Craven) when Aadi Alahan (Adam Hussain) showed them the ring for Kelly ahead of the engagement party.

ITV

Simon had a fairly straightforward verdict: "That's pretty cool, innit?"

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There wasn't much else for Simon in Tuesday's hour long episode, but he's likely to appear at Kelly and Aadi's engagement party later this week… that's if Kelly actually makes it to the party alive!

While Alex Bain has been off screen, he's been keeping busy. Back in July, he went on a romantic holiday to Spain with his partner Mollie Lockwood, which would have been around the time his screen break would have taken place.

The couple shared lots of lovely photos from their beachside holiday on social media, including crashing waves while Alex picked up Mollie in his arms under the moonlight. Sounds like an epic trip!

In addition to playing Simon Barlow on the cobbles since 2008, the actor is also a father to a young daughter named Lydia-Rose — and has credited on-screen dad Chris Gascoyne with supporting his parenting journey.

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"He has always looked after me in real life as well," Alex told Inside Soap last year.

"When I had a child I was worrying at the start, and Chris was there alongside my family to help. I can't describe Chris in any other way than as being truly amazing, and one of the most talented actors I've ever met."

Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV and streams on the ITV Hub.