A familiar face has made a return to Coronation Street, six years after being seen in the soap.

Jackson Hodge departed the show for a new life in Canada, following his involvement with Faye Windass (Ellie Leach) – but has now indicated he wants to feature in her life once again.

Viewers might not initially recognise Jackson, who makes his return this week – as the role has been recast.

But just who was Jackson Hodge, who is playing him – and why is the character being played by a different actor?

Here’s what you need to know…

Who is Jackson Hodge in Coronation Street?

Jackson is the father of Faye Windass’ daughter Miley, whom the character gave birth to back in 2015.

Faye was just 13 when she fell pregnant – but did not find out until she was seven months gone, having slept with Jackson the previous summer.

She attempted to keep the pregnancy a secret, planning to give birth in secret and drop the baby off at Walford General, but her plans fell through after she went into labour in the flat above the corner shop, and the pain became unbearable.

She later gave birth to daughter Miley, telling everyone that Jackson was the father – but his parents denied it as did Jackson, who only later admitted she was telling the truth.

Faye struggled to come to terms with being Miley’s mum, and after the christening service didn’t go as planned, Jackson’s parents offered to look after Miley for her

Although Anna Windass (Debbie Rush) initially refused, she soon realised they could offer her a better life, and they departed for Canada along with Jackson and Miley

Jackson and Miley briefly returned in 2017, after Faye spotted her daughter at Weatherfield General, before they departed once more – but she received the news this week that Jackson was back in the UK – and he’s keen to find out if she wanted to see Miley.

Faye ignored his messages, which ultimately leads to Jackson arriving at Tim and Sally Metcalfe’s (Joe Duttine and Sally Dynevor) doorstep, making his first appearance on the soap since 2017.

Why has the actor changed?

It is not uncommon for soaps to recast characters after some time, with Corrie having previously done so with Max Turner, after Paddy Bever took over from previous actor Harry McDermott, or EastEnders with Sam Mitchell when Kim Medcalf took over from Sam Mitchell.

Jackson was previously played by actor Rhys Cadman, but actor Joseph Evans has now taken over the role.

Ellie Leach has said of the storyline: ‘I was really excited [when I was told about the story]. I feel like it will be good for Faye to try and build a bond with her daughter after she has had so much heartbreak over the years.

‘Faye has had such a tough time and it would be great for Faye to have a relationship with Miley.’

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV at 8pm.

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