CORONATION Street’s Jack P Shepherd has revealed a Weatherfield legend will make an emotional comeback over the festive period.

The David Platt actor spoke candidly about the much-loved character’s return – which comes just a year after her sad departure from the soap.

Back in November, we were first to report the exciting news of their cameo.

Now speaking exclusively to The Sun, Jack, 37, confirmed his on-screen mother Gail Platt, played by Corrie veteran Helen Worth, 74, would again be on-screen and said to us: “She is, she does pop up.

“She pops up and makes a bit of a guest appearance, which is nice and lovely.”

Gail bid farewell to her friends and family for a new life in the South of France when she tied the knot with new husband Jesse Chadwick.

Speaking about her comeback plotline after last year’s Christmas Day episode – which also saw the ghostly return of Gail’s former spouse Richard Hillman – Jack added to us: “She pops up and she’s sending a Christmas message to the Platts.

“And obviously it’s David’s birthday so she’s saying that.

“It kind of gets David, I think he’s a bit emotional about it.

“Because it’s his mum and he has this weird relationship with his mum doesn’t he.

“It’s sort of like this love to hate .”

Last year, Helen announced she was quitting the soap after 50 years on the show and her final episode was released on Christmas Day, 2024.

During the emotional episode, Gail told David: “Be kind to Shona [his on screen wife] and to yourself.

“You’ve got a big mouth, but you’re a sensitive soul. You know you’ve always been my favourite, don’t you? I’m proud of you.”

SOAP SECRETS

Meanwhile, Jack teased there could be “life or death” or “life and death” for his character and Shona in the upcoming Corriedale mash-up.

It came after soap fans were convinced he will meet his maker after he is involved in the storyline’s horror car crash.

The one-off hour-long soap extravaganza will air on Monday, January 5 at 8pm.

On that evening, Emmerdale will be broadcast at 7pm, before Coronation Street at 7.30pm.

Then the historic Corriedale will follow on a one-hour slot.

ITV has also confirmed that the special crossover show will not be made available on ITVX earlier that day.

The special episode is a celebration of the soap genre and will launch ITV’s new ‘soap power hour’ scheduling pattern for Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

After the episode the ITV soaps will move to a new schedule.