Denise Black has been spotted on the Coronation Street set up in Manchester, fuelling rumours that she is making a comeback.
The actress was photographed smiling and holding a script at the soap’s studios, as well as on location with actor Bill Roache as they apparently prepared to film a scene together.
The 59-year-old played hairdresser Denise Osbourne back in the 90s, who fell in love and had an affair with Ken Barlow. Together they had son Daniel, who joined the show earlier this year and revealed that his mum Denise had left the family home years earlier.
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But now it looks like she is back on the scene, and could be hoping to rebuild her relationship with Daniel – and maybe even her ex, Ken.
Denise – who recently left Emmerdale when her character Joanie was killed off suddenly – hasn’t been seen on the cobbles over Weatherfield for a decade. Her last appearance was back in 2007, when she made a clumsy pass at her ex Ken before disappearing again.
But the actress has been dropping hints for months on Twitter and in her blog, suggesting Denise could be making an explosive return.
After leaving Emmerdale back in January, she said: “What’s coming up next? Rumours abound. Well, there are two exciting jobs in the pipeline but it’s too early to broadcast. So watch this space…”
Actor Rob Mallard plays their grown-up son Daniel, who is currently one of the family members under suspicion for attacking Ken and pushing him down the stairs. And he has previously said that he would love to see his ‘mum’ rejoin the show.
“I would love it if she were to come back to Corrie!” Rob told Inside Soap magazine.
“I’ve been a fan of Denise for a few years and when the audition for Daniel first came up, one of the reasons I was so keen to win the role was because of the people I’d get to work with.
“I knew I’d get to do scenes with the Barlows, but there was also the possibility I’d get to work with Denise at some point down the line.”