Coronation Street producer Ian MacLeod has teased that iconic villain Harvey Gaskell will return to the cobbles next year.

Will Mellor, 47, who played the gangster is set to reprise his role and take part in an explosive storyline that features Adam Barlow who is played by Sam Robertson and  Damon Hay, who is played by Ciaran Griffiths and also returning to the soap.

Not only that, but the love triangle between Adam, Sarah Barlow, played by Tina O’Brien and Damon will also be revisited in the New Year.

Iain confirmed that Damon’s imminent return will be driven by a thirst for revenge against Adam.

The soap boss also revealed that the gangster has spent months pining for Sarah.

Surprise: Coronation Street producer Ian MacLeod has teased that iconic villain Harvey Gaskell will return to the cobbles next year, with Will Mellor reprising his role on the soap 

Ian told The Sun: ‘I felt there was a really intense feeling between those two, there was really natural chemistry and connection, and he comes back with a kind of two-pronged plan.

‘[But] as it shakes down, Damon’s revenge may start to take a backseat to his feelings for Sarah.’ 

He continued that Adam will become increasingly uneasy about Damon’s return and his potential interest in Sarah, so to protect her, begins to contemplate the idea of wanting ‘rid’ of Damon and setting the stage for a shocking murder plot and the reemergence of Will’s character. 

As Damon starts to calm down, Adam’s obsession with removing him intensifies, leading him to approach baddie, Harvey. 

Harvey, who shares Adam’s dislike for Damon, considers forming an unconventional alliance to deal with their common problem. 

They believe that by teaming up, they can find a solution to the Damon predicament. 

The dramatic scenes will begin airing early next year, and Iain confirmed that viewers should be very excited about the storyline.

He said: ‘It’s got fantastic actors in it, as all our stories do, the storyline is packed full of twists and turns and excitement.’

Interesting: The storyline will be part of a major murder plot and Harvey will form an unlikely alliance with Adam Barlow

Explosive: The shocking storyline will feature Adam, his brother Damon Hay and Sarah Barlow, played by Tina O’Brien

Will, who is best known for his role in Two Pints of Lager, took on the menacing drug lord last year. 

Speaking of joining the Weatherfield cast at the time Will said: ‘I’m honoured to be asked to come into Coronation Street, it’s such an iconic show and has been a huge part of my family life.

‘When I started acting 32 years ago it was my mum’s dream for me to be in Corrie so I’m happy to finally be able to make it come true. It’s a Manchester institution and as a Manchester actor this is definitely a box ticked.

‘Harvey is the first out and out baddie I’ve ever played. It’s a very different type of role for me so I’m looking forward to getting my teeth into the character and making some waves.’