In Wednesday’s gripping episode of Coronation Street, viewers were treated to the arrival of a familiar face in the form of a new character named Brie, played by actress Jessica Ellis.

The character’s introduction has already raised eyebrows, especially as Brie quickly clashed with Lauren Bolton, portrayed by Cait Fitton.

Both women are housed in the same area of the mother and baby unit, setting the stage for further drama and conflict as their storyline unfolds.

The character of Brie marks a significant return for Jessica Ellis, who is best known for her role as Tegan Lomax in Hollyoaks.

Ellis played the iconic character from 2013 to 2018, appearing in an impressive 398 episodes.

Her tenure on Hollyoaks earned her a loyal fan base, and her return to the soap world has not gone unnoticed.

Fans who recognized her from her previous role were quick to take to social media, with many expressing excitement and nostalgia. One viewer shared their recognition, exclaiming: “TEGAN!” while another excitedly declared, “ITS TEGAN,” referring to her past role as the beloved Tegan Lomax.

Jessica’s impressive acting career doesn’t stop with Hollyoaks. In addition to her work on the Channel 4 soap, Ellis made guest appearances on EastEnders in 2011 and even featured in an episode of Doctors the same year. Her soap experience has certainly prepared her for a successful return, and fans are eager to see how she will stir things up as Brie in Coronation Street.

Brie’s clash with Lauren is already proving to be a compelling storyline, with the two characters failing to get along since their initial meeting. As Lauren navigates the challenges of being a young mother, Brie’s arrival adds another layer of tension to her already complicated life. The rivalry between the two women is bound to escalate, leaving fans eagerly anticipating more explosive scenes to come.

But Brie isn’t the only familiar face joining the Coronation Street cast. In an exciting development, EastEnders star Samuel James is also set to appear on the cobbles. Known for his portrayal of Jimmie Broome in EastEnders and Garth Stubbs in Birds of a Feather, Samuel James is joining Coronation Street in a guest role as solicitor Steven Poyser. According to reports, Steven will play a pivotal role in an upcoming court case, which will directly impact Lauren’s storyline. As Lauren’s fate begins to unfold, viewers can expect to see Steven’s involvement become central to the drama.

The addition of these new characters is part of the ongoing effort by Coronation Street producers to keep the show fresh and exciting. The arrival of Brie and Steven is set to inject new energy into existing storylines while also introducing complex new relationships and power dynamics. Fans of the show are undoubtedly looking forward to seeing how Brie’s storyline with Lauren develops, and how Steven Poyser’s role in the court case will impact the characters involved.

In related news, Coronation Street fans are preparing for the departure of another major character, Max Turner, played by Paddy Bever. Bever, who has portrayed Max since 2021, has filmed his final scenes, and his exit will air in early spring. The decision to leave Coronation Street was not an easy one for Bever, as he explained in a statement to The Mirror: “After much reflection and in an incredibly difficult decision, I have chosen to step away from Max, and Coronation Street, to explore new opportunities.”

Bever’s decision to leave has been known to producers since March of the previous year, allowing ample time to craft an exit storyline that ties into the ongoing drama surrounding the Platt family. Max’s departure will no doubt add further emotional weight to the current turmoil the family is experiencing, as David Platt (Jack P Shepherd) becomes entangled in a dangerous situation involving Harvey Gaskell (Will Mellor).

As Coronation Street continues to evolve, the arrivals and exits of key characters are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats. With Brie causing trouble for Lauren, Samuel James’ upcoming appearance as Steven Poyser, and Max’s impending exit, there’s no shortage of drama on the cobbles in the weeks to come. Coronation Street remains at the heart of British soap operas, with captivating storylines that continue to draw viewers in week after week.