Charles Lawson has confirmed he will return to 'Coronation Street'.

Charles Lawson

Charles Lawson

The 58-year-old actor is to reprise his role as soap hard-man Jim McDonald - who is currently in prison for armed robbery of a building society - in the coming weeks in what will be an "explosive" comeback.

He said: "They wanted me back full time this year but I couldn't do it as I am doing 'Rebus' on stage, and a thriller.

"I'm going to film a bit but then will be back again next year."

A 'Coronation Street' spokesman told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Jim is such a hugely popular character.

"We're delighted he is coming back for what will be a typically explosive Jim storyline."

'Corrie' fans had begun speculating about Charles' possible return after series producer Kate Oates - who will depart the soap in June - revealed an "extremely well-known character" will return to the soap.

Charles refused to rule out the possibility of the person in question being him.

He tweeted: "I couldn't possibly comment. Everyone keeps telling me I am."

Jim was last seen on the cobbles in 2014 when he illegally sold Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) alcohol in prison, and his sentence - originally for the robbery - was extended after he used a mobile phone to phone his wife Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard).

Kym Marsh - who plays Michelle Connor in 'Corrie' - recently admitted she would be "delighted" if Charles returned to the soap.

She said: "Charlie Lawson has hinted that he might be returning to 'Coronation Street', which I'd be delighted about if it is true.

"When Michelle was pregnant with Ruairi, there was a worry that he might have inherited a degenerative disease from Jim so it would be interesting to pick that storyline back up if he did return."

Charles was recently linked to a return following reports his on-screen son Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) will pop the question to his partner, and ex-wife, Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) in upcoming scenes.