A STAR of Coronation Street has finally returned to the cobbles after months off-screen.
unexplained absence left fans completely worried and they took to social media in droves.
, 38, is well known for his role as bad boy builder Gary Windass in the soap.
In , he was known for his romance with Sarah Platt (), whom he continues to have a friendship with.
This is despite the anger of his long-term partner Maria Connor ().
Now the Underworld staffer is trying to embark on a new relationship with Kit Green ().
But Todd's () fling with Theo () has gotten in the way and she was unfairly blamed for the affair after she tried to help her former partner.
Gary was last seen in January when Mason Radcliffe () was killed after he was stabbed by his brothers Matty () and Logan ().
Fans of the long-running serial drama will be delighted to learn that he will return to the show next week.
The official account of the show on – revealed: “Next week: Carl makes a move on Abi, Maria fears Mick is bad news and Daisy says goodbye to Weatherfield.”
An accompanying image shows Gary having a conversation with Mick Michaelis (Joe Layton) in the Bistro.
Fans flooded the post celebrating the character's return as one user exclaimed: “Great to see Gary back.”
A second wrote: “Is that Gary! Longtime no see.”
“Bloody nora….Gary is back!!!!!”, exclaimed a third viewer.
While a fourth stated: “Gary finally at last. Have you guys forgotten about our lovely Gary Windass, Right need to see him more of him now thanks.”
And a fifth added: “WE FOUND HIM #GAZZAFOUND.”
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Previously, fans took to different social media platforms to express their severe worries over the character and his direction.
They wondered why he has not been visible in recent weeks as they think he would be trying to warn Sarah about his street rival, Kit.
On the fan forum platform , one viewer posted a thread titled: “Anyone else concerned about Gary Windass?”
They wrote: “I don't believe he has really been seen since Mason's stabbing.
“I wonder if Mikey North has upset someone behind the scenes, because even with block filming we should have seen him by now.
“He would be warning Sarah off Kit had he been around, or been involved with the fire story.”
Coronation Street continues on ITV1 and is available to watch on ITVX.
