Coronation Street star joins Emmerdale 23 years after exit

Former Corrie actress Angela Lonsdale has appeared on Emmerdale in one of its recent episodes.

Lonsdale is best known for her portrayal of police officer Emma Watts (née Taylor) on Corrie, first appearing in April 2000 and leaving in 2003.

It comes as part of a new storyline involving one of the show’s mainstays, Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins).

Coronation Street star Angela Lonsdale joins Emmerdale 23 years after exit from show

In the devastating new storyline, viewers of the ITV soap saw Charity Dingle sexually assaulted by Dr Caitlin Todd.

It comes as Todd has been blackmailing Charity in recent episodes.

Emma Atkins said it is “one of the most demanding and significant storylines” she has been involved with as Charity, reports Digital Spy.

Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper said: “Charity’s storyline will explore the impact of sexual violence, and though this heinous act is fundamentally about power, we’ll explore the complexities of how Charity processes her trauma when the perpetrator is a woman.

“With little conversation surrounding female-on-female assault, we’ll explore the overwhelming feelings of isolation many survivors experience and will examine the disparity between the legal term sexual assault and the fact that many women in Charity’s position feel this minimises what’s happened to them, because they feel like they’ve been raped.

“Though difficult viewing at times, Charity’s resilience will inspire hope as she confronts what has happened to her.”

After the ordeal, Charity made the brave decision to report her ordeal to the police, with the officer she spoke to played by Lonsdale.

Angela Lonsdale has returned to ITV in its other soap Emmerdale, as part of a new storyline involving Charity Dingle (Image: ITV)

During her time as police officer Emma Watts on Corrie, her storylines included a long-lasting feud with neighbour Les Battersby and a tempestuous marriage to Curly Watts.

The character departed Weatherfield in September 2003 with Curly after securing a job promotion.

Lonsdale has also played DI Eva Moore in BBC drama Doctors, and had other credits on shows such as The Bill, Casualty, Holby City, and Hollyoaks.

Her role in Emmerdale is a guest role as DS Reid, a specialist police detective helping Charity through her ordeal.

Speaking previously about having a role in the soap, she told Inside Soap: “I wouldn’t say no!

“I’ve been up there a few times and been close to getting a few parts – I wouldn’t be opposed to joining another soap.

“It’s nice to be part of a family, that’s what I love about it.”

Second Coronation Street star making grand return after more than 2 decades

Lonsdale is not the only Corrie star who has returned to ITV for another run on one of their soaps.

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 returned playing a new character.

After returning, he wrote: “Back where it all started 22 years ago, it’s a pleasure to be back on this show.

“Always had dreams about coming back onto the show so to actually fulfil that is crazy to me.

“Thank you to all of the people at Corrie and also my agent that made this happen.”

Emmerdale and Coronation Street schedule changes this week

Fans of both ITV soaps should be aware that their regular schedules will see several changes this week.

The first change is on Tuesday (June 9), in which neither show will air due to the Women’s World Cup Qualifier between England and Ukraine.

On Wednesday (June 10), both will air an hour earlier, with Emmerdale at 7pm and Corrie following at 7.30pm, due to England’s final warm-up game against Costa Rica.

The World Cup then begins on Thursday (June 11), with the opening ceremony taking place, meaning neither Emmerdale nor Coronation Street will air on that day.

The biggest change, however, comes on Friday (June 12), with the format changing for both.

Emmerdale will air for an hour from 8pm to 9pm, before Corrie following at 9pm to 10pm.

Who is your favourite character on Emmerdale and/or Coronation Street? Let us know in the comments.