Ryan Thomas, best known for his role as Jason Grimshaw on Coronation Street, is set to make a fleeting comeback to the beloved soap. The 40 year old actor, who hung up his acting boots in 2021, will reprise his role as Eileen’s son just as she bids her final farewell to Weatherfield. This follows Sue Cleaver’s decision to exit the series after a remarkable 25-year stint. Ryan bid adieu to Coronation Street back in 2016, but his character Jason was spared the grim fate of being killed off. Instead, he jetted off to Thailand and has been referenced by his mum Eileen from time to time. “It was a no brainer for Ryan to return when he was asked – it’s all for Sue,” an insider told The Sun. “She’s like a second mum to him and he was willing to do anything to make her send off as special as she deserves it to be. He’s not acted for a while so it’s a bit daunting but he played Jason for so long that he’s looking forward to going back to the cobbles,” reports the Mirror.
Ryan starred alongside Sue Cleaver and Bruno Langley as the Grimshaws in Coronation Street
(Image: Press Association)
Ryan first graced our screens as Jason in 2000, before leaving the show in 2016. He then popped up as Rafael Humphreys in Neighbours in 2018, and clinched victory in the twenty-second series of Celebrity Big Brother the same year. In 2021, Ryan announced his retirement from acting on the Mancs on the Mic podcast, stating: “I started off acting, I started off in that game and I really lost the bug for it. I feel the reason for losing the bug is rejection and going to auditions and not getting them.” Ryan later appeared on Celebrity Masterchef in 2022 and emerged victorious on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip. His winning streak didn’t stop there, as he took home the top prize on Dancing on Ice last year.
Ryan Thomas made a triumphant return to Dancing On Ice earlier this year
(Image: ITV)
He made a triumphant return to the show in 2025, meeting the new batch of contestants while sporting a dazzling silver top that matched the sparkle of the Dancing On Ice trophy he proudly held aloft. As host Holly Willoughby handed him the trophy, she said: “I’m going to hand this back to you. Only for a short while. It feels like only yesterday that you held that up as our winner.” Ryan’s emotions got the better of him as he replied: “I just can’t believe that I’m here. I’m so privileged and honoured to be brought back.” Ryan’s TV comeback won’t stop there – he’s set to co-host a brand-new ITV game show, 99 To Beat, alongside his younger brother Adam later this spring. The show pits 100 contestants against each other in a series of challenges, with Ryan and Adam guiding them through the process. As contestants lose, they’re eliminated until only one remains to claim the top prize. Adam, known for his role in Waterloo Road, expressed his excitement about working with his brother: “It’s our first gig together. I don’t think we’ve ever worked together before so to be doing a show like this called 99 To Beat and to be hosting, is definitely a dream come true. We just can’t believe it, it’s been a long time coming and it’s finally happened.” He continued: “And we get to present a new family gameshow for ITV and yeah, it just doesn’t get bigger and better than that. It’s a brand new concept, it’s not been done before over in the UK and we’re just so happy we get to front it. It’s going to be a fun one. It’s one of those gameshows that anyone can do. Even people at home can get involved, it’s that good.”
