Coronation Street legend returning to ITV show after 23 years

Jake Parry, who originally played Simon Barlow on the ITV soap in 2003 alongside his twin brother Oscar, will make his comeback in a new role 23 years later.

He revealed the news in a TikTok post, sharing a brief clip from the show and writing: “Coronation Street trailer.

“Catch me as DAMO next week.”

Although Mr Parry’s return marks a return to the famous Weatherfield set, he has been clear that he will be playing a new character.

One fan commented on his TikTok asking for clarification, and Mr Parry replied: “For anyone wondering, I played Simon Barlow with my brother when I was a baby. I have now came back as a different character DAMO which is out next week.”

Mr Parry and his brother Oscar portrayed Simon Barlow from July to November 2003, though Daniel Whelan briefly took over the role for episodes aired in September that year.

Simon Barlow has since become a long-running character on the soap, most recently played by actor Alex Bain.

Mr Parry’s new character, Damo, is described in soap spoilers as a “young man,” though further details about the role remain under wraps. In the short video, he is seen getting into a scuffle with another man.

Since his early days on Coronation Street, Mr Parry has built up a varied acting portfolio, including roles in the BBC Three drama Red Rose and an array of commercials for brands such as Taco Bell, FIFA, and Microsoft.

Both he and his brother Oscar have continued acting throughout the years, appearing in shows including Doctors, Mount Pleasant, Get Even 2, Dodger, and The Other One.

The twins have also featured in a Domino’s advert with a behind-the-scenes video posted to social media showing them racing to the door to collect a pizza.

They wrote alongside the clip: “It was a privilege and honour to work alongside some of the crew from BARBIE, HARRY POTTER, STAR WARS and SPIDER-MAN.”

Mr Parry’s first appearance as Damo will air on Coronation Street on May 26.

Are you looking to see his return? Let us know in the comments