ITV Coronation Street return ‘sealed’ for Aidan Connor after 7 years
ITV Coronation Street Return ‘Sealed’ for Aidan Connor After Seven Years
Coronation Street fans are in a frenzy of excitement and speculation as whispers grow louder that one of the show’s most beloved and tragic characters, Aidan Connor,
could be making a dramatic return to Weatherfield — seven years after his heartbreaking exit.
First introduced in 2015 as Carla Connor’s half-brother and Johnny Connor’s son, Aidan, played by Shayne Ward, quickly cemented himself as a fan favorite.
The charming factory boss of Underworld wasn’t just a businessman with ambition — he was a deeply layered character whose storylines gripped the nation for years.
From passionate love affairs to emotional breakdowns, Aidan’s journey through Weatherfield was as complex as it was unforgettable.
Aidan Connor’s Meteoric Rise and Tragic Fall
When Aidan first arrived, he brought a spark to the Connor family dynamic. His relationships with Carla and Johnny gave viewers a new window into the family’s tangled history, while his sharp business acumen breathed new life into the Underworld Factory. However, it wasn’t long before Aidan’s charm began to blur the lines between personal and professional — especially when it came to his love life.
In 2017, Aidan’s romantic life spiraled into classic Coronation Street chaos. While engaged to Eva Price, he began a secret affair with Maria Connor. The affair, naturally, couldn’t stay hidden for long. When the truth came out — and on Aidan and Eva’s wedding day no less — it led to one of the most memorable catfights in Corrie history. The scene between Eva and Maria remains etched in fans’ memories as one of the show’s most explosive moments.
But beneath the dramatic exterior, Aidan was a man in deep pain.
In 2018, Coronation Street took a bold and emotional turn when Aidan began quietly battling depression. Viewers saw glimpses of his internal struggle, but it was only after his tragic death that the true depth of his pain was revealed. Aidan’s suicide sent shockwaves through Weatherfield and beyond, sparking national conversations about men’s mental health.
The storyline was both devastating and powerful — one that earned praise from mental health organizations and from fans who felt seen by Aidan’s silent suffering. It also left a permanent mark on those closest to him, especially Eva Price, who had just given birth to their daughter, Susie.
Eva’s Shocking Return Reignites Hope
Now, nearly a decade after her own departure, Eva Price has made a stunning return to the cobbles. Fans were thrilled to see Catherine Tyldesley reprise her role, bringing Eva back with a whole new family — including her daughter Susie, new partner Ben Driscoll, his mother Maggie, and his two sons, Ollie and Will.
Eva’s comeback has naturally reignited old emotions, not only for longtime viewers but for the Connor legacy itself. Her reappearance has stirred speculation that Aidan might somehow make a return — not in the flesh, but perhaps in spirit or memory.
Across social media, especially on Coronation Street fan pages, the theory of Aidan’s return through a hallucination or dream sequence has taken hold. Fans have been buzzing with comments such as, “Now that Eva is back, maybe Aidan could come back as a hallucination at some point,” while another noted, “They’ve done it before, so never say never.”
One fan added enthusiastically, “Oo, love that,” while another chimed in, “I’ve been thinking that as well.” It seems the idea of seeing Aidan again — even briefly — has reignited nostalgia for one of Corrie’s most powerful story arcs.
Shayne Ward Speaks Out on a Possible Return
Adding even more fuel to the fire, Shayne Ward, the actor who portrayed Aidan, recently opened up about his time on the show and hinted that a return to Weatherfield isn’t entirely out of the question.
Reflecting on his emotionally charged storyline, Ward said, “I loved it. I was very honored that I was trusted with that incredible suicide storyline for mental health for men. I’m really proud of it.”
His performance in that storyline earned widespread acclaim, not only for its authenticity but also for the sensitivity with which it handled such a difficult subject. It was a turning point for both Coronation Street and for Ward’s acting career.
He continued, “There are times when I think what I’d give to walk on those cobbles again — and I probably will, with my kids, just to show them what it feels like to walk on the famous ones.” Ward’s words were heartfelt and full of nostalgia, leading many fans to interpret them as a subtle nod to a potential future cameo.
“I had a great time and learned from some of the best on there,” he added. “I’m a very lucky guy.”
Could Aidan Connor Really Return?
While bringing Aidan back from the dead would be impossible given the show’s realistic tone, Coronation Street is no stranger to bringing back past characters in creative ways. Viewers have witnessed hallucinations, dream sequences, and emotional flashbacks used effectively to honor departed characters — especially when their presence ties into the struggles of those left behind.
Eva’s return could easily pave the way for such a moment. With her revisiting old memories and reconnecting with familiar faces, a brief appearance or imagined encounter with Aidan could serve as a beautiful and emotional tribute. It would allow the show to explore Eva’s lingering grief, her journey as a mother, and the lasting legacy of Aidan’s story.
After all, Coronation Street has always excelled at intertwining past and present, allowing the emotional echoes of old storylines to shape new beginnings.
A Legacy That Still Resonates
Aidan Connor’s death remains one of the most impactful storylines in modern Coronation Street history. It not only changed the lives of those within the show but also had a profound effect on viewers across the UK. The show’s portrayal of male depression and suicide encouraged open conversations and inspired many to seek help — a legacy Shayne Ward himself has spoken proudly about.
Now, with Eva’s emotional homecoming and whispers of Aidan’s return swirling once more, fans are hopeful for a moment of closure — a symbolic reunion that could remind everyone why Aidan’s story mattered so deeply.
Whether his reappearance takes the form of a memory, a vision, or simply a heartfelt mention, one thing is certain: Aidan Connor’s spirit continues to linger over Weatherfield, and his name still carries the weight of heartbreak, love, and redemption.
As one fan perfectly summed it up online: “Aidan may be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten. If anyone deserves one more moment on the cobbles, it’s him.”
And with Eva’s return shaking up the Connor family once again, perhaps that long-awaited moment is finally just around the corner.
