ITV Coronation Street legend returns to soap 15 years after being killed off

Actor Reece Dinsdale has made a notable return to Coronation Street, 15 years after his character was killed off.

The actor is behind the camera in the director's chair, 15 years after appearing on Corrie between May 2008 and February 2010 after his character Joe McIntyre - Gail Platt's (portrayed by Helen Worth) spouse - met a dramatic end on the show.

His recent transition to directing was shared with fans on BlueSky, a social media platform, where Reece expressed his enthusiasm about his latest work.

He remarked: "For those of you who enjoy these things, my next four episodes (as Director) of Coronation Street will be shown tonight and on Friday. I hope you enjoy watching them as much as I did making them."

After his time in Weatherfield, Reece took on a role in Waterloo Road in 2011, where he played Matthew Gurney, the father to Aaron and Nate Gurney. Fast forward to a decade later, he switched soaps to Emmerdale between the years 2020 and 2021, portraying Vinny Dingle's domineering father, Paul Ashdale.

Last year, Reece opened up about financial challenges following his departure from both popular soaps, revealing to his supporters that he had been left 'without pot to p**s in'. Despite his fame, he asserted that his lifestyle is far from extravagant and admitted facing monetary struggles post-Emmerdale and Corrie, reports the Mirror.

In a moment of looking towards brighter prospects, he previously announced on Twitter that he purchased a motorhome to explore the UK.

The soap star shared a picturesque image of his new vehicle set against the backdrop of a breathtaking lake and mountains, as he expressed his modest living situation: "We don't live a lavish lifestyle... far from it.

"Today I invested all my savings into my dream machine. Not got a pot left to p**s in... but the dreams are now endless!".

Support swiftly poured in from fans beneath the post, with one admirer commenting: "Amazing... enjoy every minute!".

Another fan showed their encouragement by exclaiming, "Wow, that's amazing!" while yet another agreed: "Worth every penny fella!".

Reece last year found himself back in Emmerdale Village, this time calling the shots behind the camera for several hour-long specials and admitted feeling a deep sense of pride in his work.

On social media, Reece shared his anticipation for the next day's shoot: "I'm off to try to get some kip. Start shooting a new block of Emmerdale early tomorrow."

He revealed even seasoned experience comes with some jitters: "No matter how many times you do it, you're always a little nervous and apprehensive for your first day. I guess it's a good thing. The day I don't feel that... will be the day I give it up."

He later expressed his pride in his work, saying: "For those of you who enjoy your Emmerdale, you might be interested to hear that the two one hour episodes that I recently directed will be shown on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. I'm very proud of them. Hope you enjoy!".